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Loimer `Steinmassl` Kamptal Reserve Riesling ( Case of Six)
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 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 give the grapes a chance to reach full ripeness and develop fine perfumes and flavours. The Steinmassl vineyard is approximately 350m above sea level and stretches along a south-southeast facing slope, protected against cool northerly winds. Subsoils here are gneiss and weathered mica. Topsoils are predominantly clay and are heavy, stony and difficult to work. The stones retain heat and continue to radiate it long after sunset which helps the fruit to reach optimum levels of ripeness.
Vintage Information
2010 was a year of extremes. A long, cold winter was followed by a fine April, a cold and wet May and June and resulted in a long, very delayed flowering period. Hot weather followed in July, though August was up and down and autumn much too cold. Despite all of this, the end result was healthy grapes with sufficient levels of sugar and generous acidity. The low yields obtained from mid-October to mid-November brought intense wines with fruitiness and flavour, character and range - just like the year itself.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested carefully by hand, then placed in small crates (20 kilograms). A short maceration took place followed by a first fining and spontaneous fermentation in steel tanks (50%) and wooden casks (50%). Fermentation was fast and was completed by the end of December. At the end of February 2011, the Steinmassl was racked and then aged on the fine lees in wooden casks until bottling in September 2011.
Tasting Notes
With its greenish yellow hue, this wine yields aromas of ripe yellow peaches and hints of tropical fruits. On the palate, it is tightly knit, elegant and round. A complex, expressive Riesling with a long, refreshing finish.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Riesling |
| Region |
Kamptal, Lower Austria |
| Winemaker |
Fred Loimer |
| Closure |
Cork |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13% |
