Josef Bründlmayer started this domaine in 1980 with a focus on individual parcels. Acquisitions and replantings resulted in a total of 18 hectares spread across an astonishing 52 different parcels, each of which is vinified separately. The plantings are predominantly Grüner Veltliner, but there are some special plots of Riesling, too. In 2015 Josef’s son, Philipp, took the reigns and with very much the same philosophy of encouraging the vineyards to speak. Stainless steel is the order of the day, as Philipp likes to accentuate the vibrancy and energy of the wines. Purity and minerality shine through each of the wines, and their crystalline saltiness is very much in keeping with the wines we like to buy.
1
Reid Steingraben
The Sanford & Benedict vineyard, located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, was planted in 1971 and is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. The soils in the western Santa Ynez Valley have lower quantities of clay than other areas of the valley. They are comprised of Gazos clay loam, with 15% to 30% slopes, and Santa Lucia shaley clay loam, with 9% to 15% slopes in blocks 5, 6 and 10. The area receives foggy mornings and long, cool days, resulting in a longer growing season and lower yields.
2
Reid Vordernberg
His Colour Block Series Pinot Noir showcases the Steels Creek vineyard. Ben always crafts his wines in a way that allows the end product to sing of the place it hails from, ensuring he preserves the character of the terroir.
3
Reid Moosburgerin
Located 18 miles from the ocean in the Santa Maria Valley, the Bien Nacido Vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vines grow in soils comprised of the Elder series and Shedd series. The Elder series consists of two blocks, found on flood plains and alluvial fans with an elevation range of 100 to 1,500 feet, with 9% to 15% slopes. The site experiences an average annual rainfall of 12 to 18 inches. Just uphill along the road is where the well-drained, Chamise clay loams of the Shedd series can be found. Slopes here are 30% to 45% and elevations range from 200 to 2,500 feet, with an average annual rainfall of 14 to 16 inches.
Kremstal & Austria
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The Krems Valley is a region blessed by nature in many ways, which has a tremendously positive impact on the quality of the grape varieties that thrive here . The vineyards of this approximately 2,300-hectare wine-growing area lie on both banks of the Danube, whose currents significantly influence the prevailing climate. Primary rock and loess soils combine in the Krems Valley to create a terroir that produces mineral wines with structure and depth .
