2016 Bründlmayer Riesling Heiligenstein Lyra

The Brundlmayer family owns 12 hectares right in the centre of the Zöbinger Heiligenstein. 10.5 hectares are planted with Riesling. The site is not only the oldest but probably also the most interesting on the estate: the soil consists of approximately 270 millon-year-old Permian desert sandstone. Sediments contain volcanic inclusions and carbonised remains of primeval vegetation. During the day, warm winds stream along the terraces whereas by nightfall cool gusts from the north start blowing through the Kamp Valley. About 20% of Brundlmayer’s Heiligenstein vineyards are trained in a lyre trellis system. This method doubles canopy exposure and favours aeration, which improves photosynthesis and prevents fungal diseases. Yields are restricted by rigorous thinning. Brundlmayer ferments the must in stainless steel at a temperature of 15 to 20°C. After fermentation the wine was partly racked to big wooden casks (2,500-litre) to mature on the fine lees till bottling the following summer.