Austrian wines are back in fashion. Due to the sulfite scandal of the mid-1980s, Austrian wines were forgotten. They were considered unreliable. Fortunately, the whole scandal has a downside. As a result, Austria adopted the strictest wine regulations in the world. This forced wineries to adhere to all sorts of rules and regulations. A difficult task, but the result is that the quality of Austrian wines is higher than ever before.
Durnberg Winery also proves that Austrian wines are high quality. Founded by three friends, this winery is located in the village of Falkenstein, approximately 70 kilometers north of the Austrian capital, Vienna. It is the heart of the Weinviertel wine region. The vineyards here are among the finest in all of Austria, and are primarily planted with Gruner Velltiner wines. Durnberg has been surprising friends and foes with these for years. Besides its regular wines, Durnberg also produces this Eiswein, a very distinctive dessert wine.
The process of creating Eiswein is complex and certainly not easy. Gruner Veltliner grapes must be frozen before they are picked. This usually happens around mid-January, when the temperature is 11 degrees below zero. Immediately after harvest, the grapes are pressed to preserve the existing aromas. Because the grapes are harvested so late, they are incredibly concentrated and contain a lot of sugar. This creates the sweet sensation known as Eiswein.
The result is a top-notch dessert wine. Not easy to make, but incredibly delicious to drink. The aroma and taste reveal a wealth of sultry notes: ripe pineapple, delicate mango, honey, and numerous other tropical and exotic aromas. Its intensity is high, so even a small sip delivers a huge taste sensation. Delicious with a piece of cheese or fruit-based desserts.
