Ried Pössnitzberg Chardonnay

Pössnitzberg is a unique single vineyard site destined to produce great white wines. It’s a predominantly south-facing site, at around 400m-540m above sea level, forming a basin that traps the sun, ripening the grapes fully. It is also steep, with inclinations up to 75%, further increasing the sun exposure.

The interaction of the soil structure and of the climatic factors has seen these Chardonnay wines classified as “Große STK Ried” (Grand Cru STK) with delicate minerality, very salty on the palate, a tight structure and high ageing potential. The yields are limited to just 45 hl/ha.

Pössnitzberg is located in the southern part of the "West Styrian Bay". The soils are dominated by "Steirischer Schlier", a combination of clay and fine sandy, mixed with gray-green coloured marls including plant fossils and sandstone interstratifications. These shallow chalky soils are called “Opok”.

The grapes are exclusively harvested by hand. Once at the winery, the juice is subject to spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts. The wine then matures for 24 months in small oak casks before release.

ANALYSIS

CRITIC RATINGS

The wine has intense aromas of orange flower and hop blossoms with mint, sweet spice and a hint of roasted hazelnut from the oak maturation. On the palate, the stony minerality boosts the feeling of the sensual fruit expression, leaving a very sensitive wine with an almost weightless intensity. The long finish has a delicate but concentrated juiciness making this a very drinkable wine. Drinking beautifully now, but could develop well for a decade or so.

This wine pairs well with beef-consommé, mushrooms, truffle, baked polenta, or shellfish and crustaceans such as lobster.