The F.X. Pichler winery in Oberloiben has been a leading name in the Austrian wine scene for decades.
Renowned for their unmistakable style, Franz Xaver Pichler Sr. established the winery's reputation, now continued by his son Lucas and his wife Johanna.
Specializing in Rieslings and Grüner Veltliners from Wachau wine region, the Pichler estate cultivates vineyards in the renowned sites of Loiben and Dürnstein, from Steinertal to Loibenberg, Kellerberg, and Liebenberg.
A Rich History
Franz Xaver, born in 1941, and Rudolfine, born in 1951, Pichler remain actively involved in the family business. Their presence in the vineyards underscores the family's commitment to maintaining the quality and traditions of their winemaking heritage.
The Pichler family's winemaking roots trace back to the mid-19th century when Franz Pichler II moved from Rohrendorf near Krems to the Wachau Valley. His grandson, Franz Pichler VI, acquired a property in Oberloiben in 1898, establishing a wine cellar that would gain global recognition up until the 2008 vintage.
In 1906, Franz Xaver’s (F.X.) father was born into this lineage of winemakers. He was a diligent vintner who meticulously documented the growth and quality of individual grapevines, a practice known as "selection massale". This method enabled him to identify and propagate the best Grüner Veltliner vines, a practice he began in 1928 and continued until 1952.
In the late 1930s, he was instrumental in founding the winegrowers’ cooperative in Loiben, ensuring the economic survival of many small winegrowers. His son, Franz Xaver (F.X.), continued the family tradition with a focus on quality. Educated at the Krems viticulture college, F.X. gained practical experience in Germany and Alsace before taking over the family winery, where he strategically purchased prime vineyard sites.
Modern Day Stewards
Lucas Franz Pichler represents the seventh generation of the family to manage the estate. Educated at the Krems viticulture school, Lucas completed internships at notable wineries, including Müller-Catoir in the Pfalz wine region under Hans-Günter Schwarz and the Tement family winery in Südsteiermark. These experiences shaped his passion for winemaking and provided valuable professional insights.
Since the 1999 vintage, Lucas has led the family winery, expanding its holdings from 14 hectares to 20 hectares of prime vineyard sites. The main focus of the estate is on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grapes, with the cultivated area equally divided between these two varieties. Small parcels of Gelber Muskateller and limited quantities of Sauvignon Blanc are also grown. About 35 percent of these vines grow on steeply inclined terraces supported by dry-stone walls, a cultural heritage practice in the Wachau. The estate’s production capacity ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 bottles per year.
Johanna Elisabeth Pichler, originally from a family winery in Rheinhessen, Germany, joined Lucas in the Wachau in 2003. With education in viticulture from Oppenheim and a viticulture economist training from Bad Kreuznach, Johanna brought her expertise to the family business. Her role in sales, marketing, and export has been crucial to the winery’s success.
Wine Tasting
We've chosen few great vintages because they exemplify the unique characteristics and high-quality potential of the Wachau terroir, offering exceptional complexity and balance. The 2022 year provided optimal growing conditions, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, rich fruit flavors, and excellent ageing potential.
- Riesling Wachau DAC Ried Trum (2022): The wine presents a light yellow-green hue, accented with elegant silver reflections, indicating its freshness and youth. On the nose, it opens with subtle notes of yellow stone fruit, with fresh apricots and a hint of lime adding to the vibrant and inviting bouquet. On the palate, the fresh acidity provides a lively backbone, enhancing the vibrant and long-lasting taste. Mid-palate, a distinct salty touch emerges, adding depth and complexity to the profile. The finish is notable for its wonderful length.
- Grüner Veltliner Wachau DAC Dürnsteiner Ried Liebenberg (2022): Aromatically, the wine opens with fresh Golden Delicious apples and subtle hints of blossom honey, intertwined with candied orange zest and nuanced tobacco notes. On the palate, the wine is juicy and elegant, showcasing flavors of yellow tropical fruits that provide a pleasant fruitiness. The fine acidity balances the fruit, adding a refreshing quality to the wine. Mid-palate, a mineral and saline character emerges, enhancing the overall complexity and depth.
- Grüner Veltliner Wachau DAC Ried Loibenberg (2022): This wine is a true representation of the Loibenberg terroir, displaying its typical characteristics with finesse. On the nose, it reveals fine orange notes mingled with ripe yellow apple, underpinned by dark mineral undertones and subtle tobacco nuances. On the palate, the wine is complex, juicy, and vibrant, with a fresh acidity that is complemented by a distinct salty touch towards the finish. This combination of freshness and salinity enhances its liveliness and appeal.
Each vintage captures the essence of our vineyards, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to excellence that define the F.X. Pichler estate.
Upholding Tradition
The Pichler family’s dedication to quality is evident in their adherence to the Wachau DAC regulations, which mandate hand-picking of all grapes. This meticulous approach ensures the highest standards of winemaking and highlights the unique terroir of the Wachau region. The grapes must be grown and processed within the Wachau, with rare exceptions for adjacent regions under strict conditions.
The F.X. Pichler estate's journey through seven generations is a testament to their unwavering commitment to winemaking excellence. Lucas Franz and Johanna Elisabeth continue to uphold the family’s legacy, blending tradition with innovation to produce some of the finest wines in the Wachau Valley.