.02
wines
Austria
Gruber Röschitz -Weinviertel
The Gruber family has been growing wine in Röschitz since 1814. Today the winery is run by three siblings: Ewald, Winemaker; Maria, Sales; and Christian, Viticulture. The vineyards are organically-farmed and are in the process of obtaining official certification. The “wine spirits” that adorn the labels are a reflection of the creative, spirited, and confident team at the helm.
Johann Donabaum -Wachau
Johann Donabaum is a small, high quality 4th generation producer located in the town of Spitz. Their main production is Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, with a tiny production of the rare and native Neuburger. Wild yeasts, extended lees contact and no-fining contribute to Johann’s rich, powerful style, while maintaining its elegance.
Johanneshof Reinisch -Thermenregion
This fourth generation family run winery based in the village of Tattendorf is in the dedicated hands of three brothers: Johannes, Christian and Michael. Modern technology combined with organic winegrowing in the very best sites make for highly distinctive wines rich in varietal character and terroir.
Krutzler -Südburgenland/Eisenberg
Located in Southern Burgenland, this fifth generation, 12 hectare family estate produces only reds from mostly Blaufränkisch. The Krutzler family has received many national awards, including Best Red Wine of the Year from Falstaff, as well as international acclaim.
Prieler -Neusiedlersee -Burgenland/Leithaberg
This small family estate was established over 40 years ago. The Prieler family is devoted to a few specific grape varieties from the best possible sites. Red is mainly Blaufränkisch and white is predominantly Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. Winemaking is led by the younger generation, Georg Prieler and his sister Silvia, with the assistance of their parents in the vineyard. Their wines have won numerous awards, as well as the family achieving Falstaff Vintner of the Year in 2009.
Sattlerhof –Südsteiermark (Southern Styria)
Family-owned and organically grown, this estate is combining its passion and experience with the innovation of its younger generation, Willi and Maria’s four children. Their Sauvignon Blanc in particular has been claiming national and international awards.
Weingut Hiedler –Kamptal
Now in its fifth generation, Hiedler is one of the most historic wineries in the wine town of Langenlois. Ludwig Hiedler is a founding member of the association of Traditional Austrian Winemakers. Together with his two sons, Ludwig makes terroir-driven wines using sustainable practices and minimal intervention.
Weingut Josef Fritz –Wagram
Josef Fritz is a fifth generation traditional winery with a modern outlook. Josef is a specialist of Roter Veltliner, a native Austrian grape variety, with 3 hectares with older, low-yielding vines planted. Prepare to be charmed by these absolutely delicious and rare wines!
Weingut Markus Huber - traisental
Markus Huber has achieved international admiration in recent years, drawing more attention to his region and fine wines. In 2015, he was awarded “Vintner of the Year” by Falstaff Magazine, Austria’s leading wine guide –just one of numerous prestigious awards. Despite all his accolades, he is humble; the wines speak for themselves! His wines are certified sustainable and are truly great value for the quality.
Weingut Pittnauer -Neusiedlersee
Named Falstaff Vintner of the Year in 2014, Gerhard Pittnauer and his wife Brigitte produce honest wines of great character and quality. The vast majority of their production is red, specializing in St. Laurent, with Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir to complement. Pittnauer is a member of the association respeck-Biodyn, whose members are committed to producing the highest quality biodynamic wines. Additionally, they belong to a small group of Austrian producers called “Pannobile” who each produce a specific wine under this label each year.
BULGARIA
Edoardo Miroglio - Elenovo (Thracian Valley
Bulgaria has been producing wine since the Thracian period, over 3,000 years ago. In 2002 Italian Entrepreneur, Edoardo Miroglio founded his winery in the Thracian Valley, located south of the Balkan Mountains. The specialty grape here is Pinot Noir (Nero) and traditional method (méthode Champenoise) sparkling wine, backed by other international grape varieties and native grapes such as Mavrud and Melnik. The entry range of wines and their second label, Soli (meaning “sun”) offer great value and quality. A move toward organic viticulture along with international awards, have given further validation to this incredible project.
france
Château de Santenay -Santenay (Burgundy)
A historically important Château, dating back to the 9th century. In the 14th century the Duke of Burgundy, Philippe le Hardi, resided here and signed a document which initiated Pinot Noir as the single red varietal in the region. Today, the domaine is one of the largest in Burgundy, with 90 hectares of vineyards across 14 different appellations. Sustainable growing practices have been used for over 20 years and in 2014 the domaine became certified by Terra Vitus.
Germany
Sybille Kuntz Weingut –Mosel
Located on the steep hillsides of Lieser, Sybille Kuntz grows 15 ha of vineyards, which have been eco-certified since 2013 and Demeter certified (biodynamic) since 2016. Sybille produces a predominantly dry (trocken) style of Riesling, somewhat of a departure from the norm in Germany, but then, her wines are anything but simply “normal”. Her dedication to quality and her unique style are very evident in the first sip of her mouth-watering, delicious, food-friendly wines.
Italy
Barone Pizzini -Provaglio d’Iseo
With farming roots dating back to 1870, Barone Pizzini is among the first wineries in Franciacorta to help establish the DOC in 1967. Its first Franciacorta was produced in 1971 and was certified organic in 2012. Barone Pizzini has received numerous awards for its wines and sustainable practices, including “Best Organic Wine in the World” by the International Wine Challenge in London for its Franciacorta Rosé.
Fontanavecchia -Torrecuso Campania
With over 160 years of winegrowing tradition, the Rillo family estate covers 18 hectares and is managed by Libero, with his father Orazio, and brother, Giuseppe. They are located in the Sannio district in the province of Benevento, at the foot of the Taburno hills. Falanghina and Aglianico are the focus grape varieties, along with other native grapes such as Greco and Piedirosso. Libero further utilizes his knowledge and expertise of the Sannio area by presiding over their local consortium..
Pievalta -Maiolati Spontini
Founded in 2002 by Silvano Brescianini, partner & CEO of Barone Pizzini in Franciacorta and joined by partner and enologist, Alessandro Fenino. There are a total 26.5 hectares of estate grown vines in the Castelli di Jesi area, consisting mostly of Verdicchio, and a small parcel of Montepulciano. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, and have been vegan certified since 2009.
La Magia -Montalcino
Founded over 40 years ago by the Schwartz family, originally from the Alto Adige, the winery is now managed by son and enologist, Fabian. The family were pioneers in organic viticulture in the area and in 2012 they became certified organic. The cellar is fully self-sustainable in energy. Among accolades is the recent review from James Suckling for the 2012 Brunello: #7 out of the Top 25, with 96 points.
Serafini & Vidotto -Nervesa della Battaglia (Veneto)
A collaboration between Francesco Serafini (oenologist) and Antonello Vidotto (viticulturist), founded in 1986 in the Eastern province of Treviso. They are well-known for their quality Bordeaux-styles wines, as well as Pinot Noir (Nero) and rare native varieties. The estate also produces Prosecco, as they are located in the heart of Prosecco country. The idyllic location of their vineyards, their devotion to natural farming and immaculate care in the winery result in truly world-class wines.
Tabarrini - Montefalco
Tabarrini is one of Umbria’s top producers, growing wine from only certified sustainable, indigenous grapes. Owner Giampaolo Tabarrini assumed the role of winemaker in 1996, a fourth generation of passionate family grape-growers. Tabarrini produces 70,000 bottles per year from about 18 hectares. They are well known for resurrecting the area’s particular type of Trebbiano (Spoletino) and for their three single vineyard Sagrantino wines.
Tenuta di Castellaro -Quattropani
This family-owned winery is located on the Aeolian Island of Lipari, just north of Sicily. All 9.5 hectares of certified organic vines are bush-trained and densely planted, using only native grape varieties. The winery itself has zero impact on the environment by utilizing solar and wind power. From Sicily, an Etna Rosso DOC wine is also produced from a tiny plot using native red grape varieties.