Description
Salomon Undhof is a family-owned winery established in 1792 in Stein on the Danube River, Austria.
The vineyard area is 30 hectares, and the Salomon family owns vineyards planted with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in equal amounts, as well as a small amount of Gelber Traminer.
The winery uses gravity throughout the winemaking process, with hand-harvested grapes going directly to the de-stemmer or press for 3-12 hours of skin contact for single vineyard wines.
All grapes are harvested traditionally by hand only.
Salomon Undhof produces about 12,000 dozen bottles of wine each year, with a range of wines that have great power and complexity, yet with lovely finesse and a striking mineral personality.
Kremstal wine region is a fascinating and historic wine-growing area in northern Austria, one of five wine regions extending on either side of the Danube river.
The vineyards are centered around the town of Krems, downstream of Wachau DAC and boast ancient monastic vineyards and ruined thousand-year-old terraced vineyards on the slope of the valley plunging into the Krems river, joining the Danube river just east of town.
This region is one of the most challenging and rewarding wine-growing areas in Europe and has been the heart of the wine trade in Austria.
Kremstal wine region is Austria’s smallest wine area, with only 2250 hectares of grapes accounting for 5% of Austrian wine production.
The terrain and environment allow vines to perform to their full potential, with Gruner Veltliner accounting for around 60% of the vineyards in the Kremstal wine area.
Riesling is another noteworthy grape in the region, accounting for 10% of output and being distinctive and rated the best in Austria.
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Zweigelt, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are among notable varietals.
The Kremstal wine region has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, with winemaking and viticultural tradition.
UNESCO has declared Krems’ old town as a World Heritage Site.
Austrian Riesling is a world-renowned white wine grape variety that is highly prized in the wine-growing regions along the Danube river and its tributaries.
The earliest documentation of the name was in 1435 in Rüsselsheim and the variety was probably taken from wild vines on the Oberrhein (the Upper Rhine).
Riesling is a late-maturing variety, yielding highly ripe grapes in premium vineyard sites, especially in the wine-growing regions of Wachau, Kremstal, Traisental, Kamptal, Wien (Vienna), Wagram and Weinviertel.
The vineyard area for Riesling increased steadily between 1999 and 2020, making it the second most important white wine variety in Austria after Grüner Veltliner.
Riesling is a demanding grape in the vineyards, sensitive to grape stalk necrosis, stalk rot and grape Botrytis.
However, when grown successfully, Riesling is known as the king of white wines, with flavors of lime, lemon and grapefruit and a signature vein of acidity that makes it unique.
Kögl is an exceptional vineyard located in Stein, Austria, that has been classified as an Erste Lage vineyard, indicating its status as one of the top vineyards in the country.
The vineyard is steeply terraced with a due south aspect that provides optimal growing conditions for the vines.
It is composed of heavily weathered urgestein soil, which is particularly rich in crystalline schist.
These unique soil conditions contribute to the distinctive character of the wines produced from this vineyard.
The Salomon Undhof Riesling Kögl 1ÖTW Kremstal 2022 is an exotic and fresh Riesling that showcases the meticulous work done both in the vineyards and the winery.
All the grapes are harvested traditionally by hand only, resulting in a wine with great power and complexity, yet with lovely finesse and a striking mineral personality.
On the nose, it exhibits notes of violet, smoke, quince and peach, while on the palate it displays a mineral feel throughout.
The wine is still a bit firm in acidity, suggesting that the best years are yet to come.
This Riesling is well-balanced, with a refreshing finish that lingers on the palate.
The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Riesling Country – Austria Region – KREMSTAL Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13.5%
