Niederoesterreich
, Austria
Winery Overview
Both tradition and innovation are essential to Toni and Ilse (née Prager) Bodenstein at Weingut Prager. Knowledge
passed down over generations coupled with new opportunities created by Toni, who unscrupulously worked to
uncover the secrets of
terroir
, has resulted in a passion for making outstanding wines that mirror the unique qualities
of the vineyards from which they come.
Location of Vineyard
Toni’s interest in how the effects different soil conditions and climates had on the vines led him to analyzing terraces
across the zone. Based on his findings, Prager purchased parcels within certain vineyards providing an assortment
of
terroirs
. The winery now sources grapes from nine different vineyards located in the Wachau with distinctive
terroirs
, which impart a unique quality to their wines.
Winemaking Philosophy
The winery vinifies Riesling from eight different vineyards, and Grüner Veltliner from seven different vineyards
all contained within a total production of less than 10,000 cases. Each bottling carries the hallmark
terroir
of its
vineyard. The already stellar reputation of the winery has been further enhanced by Toni’s analysis, and the press has
given him the moniker of “Mr.
Terroir
.”
Niederoesterreich
, Austria
Winery Overview
The Pichler family has been making wine in the village of Wösendorf since the late 19th century. The original cellar
building, more of a small stall than a winery, was purchased in 1884 and their first vineyards were planted in 1904. In
1997, Rudi Prichler III, took over responsibility of his family’s winery further expanding the vineyards and building a
new cellar in 2004.
Location of Vineyard
Located primarily at the western end of the Wachau Valley, Pichler’s vines cling to the steep, rocky hillsides that hug
the Danube River. Various soils, vineyard exposure and the age of the vines combined with a unique microclimate to
produce distinct, authentic Pichler wines.
Winemaking Philosophy
The intensity of work in the vineyards is the foundation of Pichler’s philosophy where he has replaced the term
winemaker with wine-caretaker, as his wine is not made in the cellar. As Rudi explains, “Authentic wine is not created
in the cellar, but born in the vineyard, gently educated in the cellar and then grown up in the bottle.”
