Kollwentz

“Kollwentz is one of those rare producers who never puts a foot wrong”, according to the widely respected Stephen Brook. And as safe and well-behaved as this sounds, the result is so distinct and exciting. The vineyards are cultivated on 25 hectares of vineyards with a rich history. These vineyards are located in the Leithaberg region (former Neusiedlersee-Hügelland), the westernmost part of the Neusiedlersee region. The many undulations in the landscape provide a complex geology, with the soil mainly consisting of old limestone, schist and gneiss. Compared to the other side of the large lake, the western shore is considerably cooler than the eastern side, which (generally) ensures a leaner and more elegant style of wines with also – in the case of red wines – considerably more acidity than the wines we know from the eastern side of the Neusiedlersee.

Soil cultivation and flora management are the most important factors for balanced vine growth for the Kollwentz family. Labor-intensive manual work on the vine is the key to quality, with only fully ripe, healthy grapes being selectively harvested by hand. No use of botryticides, insecticides or herbicides. Anton Kollwentz, born in 1940, embodies the eighth generation of Kollwentz farmers in Großhöflein. At the age of 18, he took over responsibility in his parents’ cellar. Conscientiousness and an innovative spirit characterize him. This is reflected in the planting of the first Zweigelt yield plant (1958) in Burgenland. In 1966, he took over the winery completely with his wife Margarete and began a long period in which the winery was gradually expanded and developed. During this period, the company made enormous strides, but the quality only really took off after son – and 9th generation – Andi took over in 2004. He did this with his wife Heidi at his side and now also his two daughters Barbara and Christina.

“The vineyard determines the choice of the vine” is Andi Kollwentz’s credo. Under ideal conditions, the vines succeed in producing grapes of optimum ripeness, the basis for great wines. The Kollwentz vineyards have been cultivated with the utmost care for many generations and are planted with almond, walnut and sweet-sour cherry trees in addition to vines. Some of the trees are old and deeply rooted, but the vast majority have been planted in the past 25 years. This ensures excellent biodiversity, from which the vines ultimately benefit. Peter Moser of the magazine Falststaff states: “Andi Kollwentz is the decathlete among Austrian winegrowers, because he understands the most diverse disciplines and can be found at the absolute top in every category, whether white, red or sweet”. All wines from the Kollwentz winery are quality wines and bear the state inspection number. All white, red and sweet wines are aged in oak barrels for six to thirty months. Combine this sense of winemaking with the access to the oldest and best vineyards in the region – and even the country – and count your blessings. We were immediately sold and overwhelmed…