Weingut Lagler Burberg Gruner Veltliner Federspiel 2024 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
The Burberg vineyard sits on the steep, terraced slopes above the Wachau village of Spitz, where the Danube River cuts through some of Austria’s most dramatic geological formations. Here, gneiss and weathered primary rock dominate the soils, producing a lean, mineral-driven expression of Grüner Veltliner that differs markedly from the broader, loess-rich sites downstream. The elevation brings cooler nights, extending ripening while preserving the sort of electric acidity that defines the Federspiel category. Winds funneling through the narrow valley help keep the grapes dry and disease pressure low, creating an optimal environment for Grüner's signature purity. In 2024—a vintage noted for its clarity and freshness—the Burberg site delivered fruit that balances mountain herb aromatics with crystalline mineral tension.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Weingut Lagler farms Burberg organically with a focus on canopy balance and selective green harvesting to manage ripeness on these rugged terraces. Grapes are hand-picked due to the steepness of the terrain, ensuring the fruit arrives at the cellar intact. After a gentle pressing, the must undergoes a cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel to lock in aromatic lift and precision. Aging continues on fine lees for several months, giving subtle texture without diminishing the wine’s brisk, linear profile. The Federspiel classification indicates a mid-weight, dry Wachau style—emphasizing finesse and tension rather than density. Lagler’s restrained approach yields a Grüner that is polished, transparent, and deeply tied to its rocky hillside origin.

Tasting Notes
The 2024 Burberg Federspiel opens with lifted aromas of white pepper, lime zest, crushed stone, and alpine herbs, followed by hints of green pear and fresh snap pea. On the palate, the wine is taut, cool, and vividly precise, with a spine of acidity that drives flavors of citrus blossom, green apple, and flinty mineral tones. The mid-palate shows a gentle creaminess from lees contact, but the overall impression is sleek and vertical, finishing with mouthwatering salinity and the lingering echo of herbs and stone. It is archetypal Wachau Grüner—focused, articulate, and refreshingly uncomplicated in its purity.

Food Pairing & Service
This Federspiel’s racy acidity and peppery snap make it a versatile partner for dishes that benefit from lift and contrast. Classic pairings include lightly fried schnitzel, grilled river fish, fresh goat cheese, or spring vegetables like asparagus—one of Grüner’s natural companions. Asian dishes with citrus, ginger, or lemongrass also resonate beautifully with its energy. Serve chilled but not icy—around 48–50°F—to fully express the wine’s aromatics and textural nuance. While immensely charming now, it will continue to gain complexity over the next 3–5 years, deepening its minerality while retaining its lively core.