Loimer, Kamptal Grüner Veltliner

Producer

The Loimer estate vineyards are planted around Langenlois, in the cool, yet sunny Kamptal region northwest of Vienna. Divided into 100 parcels, comprising seven soil types, Loimer’s 85 hectares of vineyards provide a range of complexities to their wines. Meanwhile, their high elevation and south/south-east facing aspects encourage the development of aromatic compounds in the grapes. The estate's conversion to biodynamic viticulture began in 2006, resulting in official Respekt certification for their wines.

Realising early on that he would follow in his father’s winemaking footsteps, Fred Loimer attended Austria’s renowned Klosterneuburg University before honing his craft in Nahe, Germany and the Napa Valley. Fred took over the winery from his father in 1997, purchasing and renovating a 19th-century vaulted brick cellar in 1998. Unlike many Austrian producers, who prize a sweeter style, Fred obtains full ripeness in the vineyard before fermenting fully dry. As a result, all the Loimer wines display Fred’s trademark citrus zest and balance on the palate.

The grapes for Loimer's two regional wines are handpicked from vineyards aged up to 50 years old. Aromatic and crisp, the Kamptal Grüner Veltliner and Kamptal Riesling offer excellent value. Loimer’s single vineyard (Erste Lage) wines are ranked among the best in Austria. Certified both organic and biodynamic, the ‘Ried Loiserberg’ Grüner Veltliner and Riesling blend, the ‘Ried Käferberg’ Grüner Veltliner, as well as the ‘Ried Steinmassl’ Riesling, all hail from top vineyard sites in Langenlois. These wines display lovely purity of fruit and a real sense of place.

In addition to his internationally renowned still wines, Fred Loimer produces premium, traditional method sparkling wines. The Langenlois vineyards are influenced by cool northerly winds and a high diurnal range, which help preserve the freshness and aromatic intensity of the white grape varieties. Fred also cultivates vines in Gumpoldskirchen, within the historic wine-growing area of Thermenregion, just south of Vienna. Gumpoldskirchen benefits from warm air rolling in from the Pannonian plain, allowing black grape varieties to ripen consistently and develop fine perfumes. According to Fred, time and precision in the winery are just as important as fruit quality to produce a great sparkling wine, which should always encompass complexity, depth and freshness.

The Extra Brut Reserve was aged on its lees in bottle for 18 months before disgorgement. Winner of the Gold Medal at the Decanter Wine World Award 2020, this non-vintage sparkling wine is defined by aromas of green apple and lemon cake. The bone-dry palate is supported by vibrant citrus peel and toasty notes, complemented by subtle minerality and crisp acidity. The Brut Rosé Reserve blends Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and St. Laurent and ages for at least 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. Made using 20% reserve wines, the palate is mouth-filling and structured, with discreet notes of strawberry and red currants and more complex flavours of pastry and nougat.