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.
Rioja Viuda Negra 'Nunca Jamas' Javier San Pedro 2020
Viuda Negra 'Nunca Jamas' Rioja from Javier San Pedro Ortega is a brilliant modern style of Rioja which displays wonderful dark red fruit, juicy bramble notes and little flashes of chocolate. It is low in tannin and has perfectly integrated oak which enhances rather than overpowers the vibrant fruit. A fantastic bottle of modern Rioja.
I was introduced to Javier by our mutual friend Leon who makes, along with his wife Sara, the excellent Latido wines. He told me that I had to try these Rioja’s made by Javier and used every wine cliché under the sun to try and persuade me. “New Wave Rioja” “Best up and coming wine maker” “Terroir driven” “Modern interpretation of a classic” etc etc. Before I could escape, Javier was towering over me. He’s tall and athletic, not intimidating but instantly likeable and full to bursting point with another cliché “Passion” for his wines.
Javier was born into a winemaking family at Bodegas Vallobera, based in Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa and learned from both his grandfather and father before making his first wine aged 17. In 2013 he moved away from his family's traditional styles to create his own project, Bodegas Javier San Pedro Ortega. The Viuda Negra range focuses on old vineyard plots that have either been restored or replanted. It was clear from my first tasting that Javier was talented and his wines were as captivating as the man himself. They perfectly highlight the beauty and diversity of Rioja and show where the area is heading with a modern approach to terroir rather than age statements.
Related Posts
It’s Rose Season!
April 24, 2024
Spring is well underway and even though there's a slight chill in the air. Some sun has been making a welcome appearance. We would say that its totally FINE to start drinking Rose now. And with up to…
Amazing Argentina – Explore the wines of Argentina
February 1, 2024
Argentinian vineyards The UK has been in a lust filled, tango dancing love affair with Argentinean Malbec for a while now. After the Falklands and Jeremy Clarkson’s unique style of diplomacy…
Christmas Delivery Dates & Cut Offs
December 6, 2023
Christmas Delivery Dates & Cut-Offs LAST ORDERS FOR UK-WIDE DELIVERY FOR CHRISTMAS IS MONDAY 18TH DECEMBER. We will be out delivering in our own vans too, so please get in touch to avoid…