Ingrid and Weinviertal
Weinviertal or “wine quarter”, is Austria’s largest wine region. It is situated at the far northeastern part of Austria, bordering the Czech Republic in the north and Slovakia to the east. It is a beautiful area with neat villages and picture postcard vineyards. It is also known for the hundreds of metres of cellars that run underground called “Kellergrassen”. The region’s most famous grape variety – Gruner Veltliner is king here and is characterized by its zesty flavours, delicate aromas and tart acidity.
After a slightly dodgy wine scandal (it’s worth a google if you don’t know the story) in the 80’s, Austria has seemingly recovered fully because it is now one of the most exciting wine producing countries in the world.
Ingrid Groiss describes herself as passionate, emotional and determined. It pretty much says it all about Ingrid and are the sort of character traits we would expect to find in a young wine maker, who modernised their parent’s winery. Having lived the corporate life with Coca-Cola in her younger years, Ingrid returned to her wine making roots in Weinviertel and set about producing fantastic wines from the vineyards her Grandmother had planted some 50 years ago. Ingrid’s wines have a great purity to them and the complexity of her Gruner Veltliners are quite amazing. The wines are all certified organic since the 2019 vintage and they get better with every vintage. We are all such big fans of Ingrid and her wines. It’s a real pleasure being an importer and supplier of such a dynamic winemaker.
Crozes Hermitage Domaine Aleofane 2020 Magnum
Croze Hermitage Domaine Aleofane is an elegantly concentrated expression of Syrah with dark red fruit, black plum and damson notes on the nose. The wine has a soft texture which makes it open and approachable even though young. It is an extremely clean and fresh wine on the finish with spice, pepper and herbal notes coming through behind the dark fruit. The savoury nature of the wine makes it perfect with summer grilled meats.
Domaine Aleofane is owned and run by Natacha Chave, the younger sister of Yann Chave, who runs the famous domaine named after him, which was started by their parents in the 1970s. After studying philosophy at university, Natacha returned to her wine making roots but instead of opting for the easier option of working with her brother, she decided to start up on her own and in 2004 purchased her first vineyard. The small domaine now has vineyards in Croze Hermitage, St Joseph and Cornas which Natacha farms biodynamically and with a love and attention to detail which you can only be impressed by. The wines are not only a true expression of the Syrah grape and the northern Rhone terroir but of Natacha herself. There is a delicate feel and freshness to the wines that have an eternal character which runs through all the wines. These are hard crafted wines and ones that are the result of a true labour of love.
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