Austria

Leithaberg

Medium

Vino-lok

The Kirschgarten or ‘cherry orchard’ vineyard in Burgenland was first documented in 1214 and became a designated site in 1524 – possibly the first ever vineyard designation. After Josef Umathum bought the property in 2000, he painstakingly rebuilt the neglected historic stone walls and replanted vineyards. It’s a sheltered southeast-facing site with schist soils interspersed by quartz higher up on the hillside (encouraging deep rooting) and clay-limestone lower down. Temperatures are moderated by proximity to the lake, permitting slow, gradual ripening of the grapes. The Umathum winery is organic and has followed biodynamic principles since 2005. Grapes for Umathum Kirschgarten were handpicked and the wine was aged in small used barrels for 24 months. Caroline Gilby MW: Serious, complex nose. Maturing but not faded. Dark-fruited, with notes of damson, bramble and roast coffee. Vibrant red berry and cherry on the palate, with fine acids and sleek tannins. Stefan Neumann MS: Delicate, with red fruits followed by cherry blossom and rose water. Power and elegance in equal measure, with a wonderfully fine-tuned palate. Wieteke Teppema: Cassis and charcuterie, with leathery animal notes and sweet oak spice. Refreshing acidity, firm yet elegant tannins. Evolving yet balanced. Lovely.

Blaufränkisch / Lemberger

Umathum, Kirschgarten Grand Bleu Blaufränkisch, Leithaberg, Burgenland, Austria, 2017

Umathum, Kirschgarten Grand Bleu Blaufränkisch.jpg

The Kirschgarten or ‘cherry orchard’ vineyard in Burgenland was first documented in 1214 and became a designated site in 1524 – 

Umathum, Kirschgarten Grand Bleu Blaufränkisch, Leithaberg, Burgenland, Austria 2017

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