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.
La Legende de Fonreaud 2016 Haut Medoc
La Legende de Fonreaud is the 2nd wine of the fantastic Chateau Fonreaud. It is an equal parts blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, planted on a high gravel terrace in the commune of Listrac Medoc. It is a lovely, approachable wine with ripe cassis fruit, soft tannins and spicy notes. Graphite notes come through on the palate which is long and laden with black fruit, damson and an exotic spiciness. It is a charming wine that delivers vintage after vintage.
Chateau Fonreaud meaning “Fontaine Royale” is a lovely estate which was purchased in 1962 by Leo Chanfreau. Legend has it that Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II of England stopped by for a drink of cold water from the fountain and said fountain was thus renamed in their honour. Leo was a grape grower in Algeria and returned to France with his family after falling in love with the Chateau. They set about a full restoration of the Chateau, cellars and vineyards which were in a poor state. The Chateau is managed today by Jean, Leo’s son who farms sustainably under the Terra-Vitis philosophy. It is a chateau which we have loved for many years and one whose wines keep getting better. Great people, great wine.
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