Team Argaux Favorite

2022 Hirsch ‘Hirschvergnugen’ Gruner Veltliner

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem
Classic in Style

Whether new to Gruner Veltliner or a longtime fan of the grape, this exquisite expression from Hirsch promises to please. Hailing from Austria’s famed Kamptal region, fruit for this wine is grown in calcareous and loamy soils, which is responsible for the structured, mineral-driven backbone of the wine (AKA, what we love about it so much!) This our go-to with sushi. It also pairs well with Thai food or anything with a little spice.

Organic and biodynamically-farmed vineyards, family-owned estate, slow fermented with native yeasts, and vinified entirely in steel.

White
  • Tasting Notes white rose, green apple, lime, lime blossom, fresh herbs, white pepper
  • Variety Gruner Veltliner
  • Region Austria, Kamptal
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 11.5%
  • Table Talk “Hirsch Vergnügen” literally translates to “Hirsch enjoyment”—and upon first sip, you’ll see why!

$32.00

Only 7 left in stock

Weingut Hirsch is located in Kammern, a town in the Kamptal region of Austria. The estate’s roots in Kammern date to the 16th century when their house was built (the Hirsch family assumed ownership of this farmstead in  1878). It is now owned and operated by fifth generation, Johannes Hirsch. For decades now, Josef and Johannes Hirsch have operated the estate according to a personal creed: To work together with nature, and not against. This explains the development of the ecologically responsible Hirsch Estate and the establishment of Respekt in 2006. Respekt is a new biodynamic certification started as an alternative to Demeter and Johannes father was one of the founding members.

All of their vineyards today are cultivated biodynamically, according to the guidelines of RESPEKT. In addition, they’ve been using compost as a natural fertilizer since 1978, they harvest their grapes by hand in small containers, use native yeast fermentation and extended lees-contact, followed by a late bottling.

GRUNER VELTLINER
The most important grape of Austria, Grüner Veltliner can be made in a myriad of styles. These fruity, herbaceous, and peppery wines give a mouth-watering acidity making them ultra charming and delightful. A very versatile food wine, Grüner Veltliner can be enjoyed throughout your meal or while lounging on your porch as a spring sipper. Drink while the bloom of youth is still on it!

KAMPTAL, AUSTRIA
Although small, Austria’s Kamptal region is quickly rising to international fame. Located just 35 miles northwest of Vienna, this steep, sunny region is known for its dramatic terraced vineyards planted along the local Kamp river. Similar to neighboring Wachau and Kremstal, Kamptal experiences large diurnal temperature swings, meaning that days are very warm and nights are quite cold, which help maintain a crisp, zesty acidity in the fruit cultivated here. Like many regions in northern Austria, Kamptal is best known for its spicy, lip-puckering bottles of Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. Local regulations state that all wines labeled as Kamptal must be vinified dry and boast a minimum ABV of 11.5% (Reserve designated wines must clock in at least 13%). Dry reds produced from the local Zweigelt grape are often compared to earthy, cooler-climate expressions of Pinot Noir. Sweet wines, as well as other wines that don’t adhere to Kamptal’s rigid standards, will simply boast the larger Niederosterreich classification on their labels. Kamptal officially received its DAC status in 2008. Its main village, Langenlois, is a major hub for oenotourisme, as it is known for its ancient network of underground cellars.