Producer
Fred Loimer owns 60 hectares around Langenlois, in the sunny Kamptal region of Lower Austria...
Fred makes a range of wines from the excellent value ‘Lois’ and ‘Lenz’ to the superb, single varietal Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners. Unlike many Austrian producers who go for an overly rich and sweet style, Fred gets full ripeness in the vineyard yet ferments to dryness, managing to produce wines with lovely definition, zest and balance on the palate.
Vineyards
Situated 200-400m above sea level, the climate of the Kamp Valley is characterised by cool nights and warm days, with a long, sunny autumn. The high summer temperatures are mitigated by the River Danube and the Waldviertel (forested area). Its long growing season and the difference in temperature between night and day, gives the grapes a chance to reach full ripeness and develop fine perfumes and flavours. Soils are mixed and well-drained, with Gföhl gneiss (coarse-grained, metamorphic rock containing quartz, felspar and mica) subsoil.
Vintage Information
2010 was a difficult and challenging vintage in Austria characterised by low temperatures and rain almost every month. Winter temperatures ranged from icy through to spring-like and spring itself started unseasonably cold but finished with relatively high temperatures. April and May saw heavy rainfall, hailstorms and flooding resulting in late flowering, compounded by cold, rainy conditions in June. The weather during the months that led up to October meant ripening was slow and there was a constant danger of rot which made careful and skilled work in the vineyards essential. Growers were concerned to pick healthy grapes and quantities were reduced as a consequence.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested with 16.5° to 17.5º KMW (the measure of ripeness and sugar development) and brought to the cellar in small crates. Depending on the quality, they were either whole-bunch pressed or crushed and then macerated for a short time, which helps to release more flavour. After careful fermentation, Lenz was matured on fine lees in steel tanks and then bottled in January 2011 so that freshness and primary flavours would be retained as much as possible.
Tasting Notes
2010 produced fine, elegant and highly aromatic wines, with scents of peaches, citrus fruit and gooseberries. Vibrant and very fresh on the palate, it is beautifully balanced and delicate, with bright acidity and lovely lime zest characters. There is a touch of residual sugar which rounds out its long, perfumed finish. A light, lively Riesling.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Riesling |
| Region |
Kamptal, Lower Austria |
| Winemaker |
Fred Loimer |
| Closure |
Stelvin |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
12% |
