Fritsch Mordthal Erste Lage Riesling 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. Weinberghof Fritsch has emerged as one of the Wagram region’s premier producers thanks to the vision and hard work of Karl Fritsch Jr. who took over the running of the family estate from his father in 1999. Today he has around 25 hectares planted mostly with local white grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling and some Zweigelt and Pinot Noir. In the early 2000s they made the switch to biodynamic farming, becoming one of the founders of the respekt-Biodyn association which supports sustainable viticulture. This single vineyard Este Lage or “First Growth” cuvee comes from Fritsch’s prized Mordthal vineyard which is named after the mammoth bones found nearby. The Riesling vines sit at 230–250 m above sea level facing south for plenty of sun exposure during the ripening season. The ancient Danube river once passed through here, leaving layers of sand, rock and gravel which give the wine purity and a subtle minerality. The grapes are harvested at full ripeness with several passes through the vineyard if necessary. Once in the winery fermentation is spontaneous using yeast naturally found in the environment in large neutral casks or stainless steel tanks. After aging on the fine lees for a few months, the wine is bottled with minimal filtering to preserve the natural zest and purity. This is a precise, mineral-driven Riesling with great ageing potential that’s ideal to enjoy on its own or alongside seafood, shellfish, or spicy Asian cuisine.