Schloss Gobelsburg is a winery steeped in nearly a thousand years of history and tradition. It is one of the most historic wineries in the region and the oldest in the Danube region, with a documented winemaking heritage dating back to the 12th century.
The winery’s story began in 1171 when Cistercian monks from Burgundy, who were spreading across Europe, planted their first vineyards on the esteemed Heiligenstein and Gaisberg sites. These monks laid the foundation for a viticultural tradition that has flourished for centuries, blending ancient practices with modern innovation.
A Vineyards Legacy Around the Castle
The vineyards of Schloss Gobelsburg surround the castle, creating a scenic landscape where vines stretch across 85 hectares. The focus remains on preserving the integrity and authenticity of these terroirs, concentrating on producing wines that are true expressions of the Danube region. The cultivated varieties include classic Austrian varietals and noble grapes that have been carefully selected over centuries: Grüner Veltliner (50%), Riesling (25%), Zweigelt (8%), Pinot Noir (5%), Merlot (5%), and St. Laurent (7%).
At harvest, the grapes are meticulously transported to the press house located just behind the castle, where they begin their transformation. After fermentation, the wines are transferred to the wine cellars to mature, a process that takes place in both the castle's ancient 700-year-old cellar and a new cloister cellar, designed in a monastic style and completed in 2021. These cellars serve as sanctuaries for the wines, where they develop their complexity and depth under ideal aging conditions.
Wine Philosophy: Heritage and Innovation in Every Bottle
Schloss Gobelsburg's winemaking philosophy reflects a respect for its rich heritage combined with a passion for innovation. The winery specializes in wines categorized under the Kamptal DAC (Controlled Designation of Origin) and follows a three-tiered system based on provenance, consisting of Gebietsweine (regional wines), Ortsweine (village wines), and Riedenweine (single-vineyard wines). Each category captures a unique aspect of Kamptal’s terroir, from the mineral-rich soils of the single vineyards to the fresh, expressive character of the region.
In addition to their classic Danube wines, Schloss Gobelsburg produces a diverse array of specialties. These include quality sparkling wines, red wines, and sweet wines, which are regularly crafted to express the winery’s stylistic versatility. The winery also emphasizes historical winemaking methods, an approach reflected in their Tradition wines, which are crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Crafting Austrian Sparkling Wine: A Commitment to Quality
One of Schloss Gobelsburg’s standout offerings is its sparkling wine portfolio. These sparklers, made with grapes like Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, are given an extended aging process to enhance their complexity and texture. After 6-12 months of barrel storage, these wines undergo a second fermentation in the bottle and are left to rest on the yeast for two to three years. The result is a collection of sparkling wines with fine mousse, vibrant flavors, and a creamy, layered texture—perfect for any celebration.
A Proud Member of Austria’s ÖTW (Austrian Traditional Wineries)
As a founding member of the Austrian Traditional Wineries (Österreichische Traditionsweingüter, or ÖTW), Schloss Gobelsburg has been instrumental in establishing a vineyard classification system in Austria. The ÖTW classification aims to identify and highlight Austria’s most exceptional vineyards, emphasizing terroir and heritage. Through this membership, Schloss Gobelsburg aligns itself with a mission of transparency, allowing wine lovers to understand and appreciate the unique characteristics of each vineyard.
From Grape to Glass: A Dedication to Excellence
Behind the scenes at Schloss Gobelsburg, a dedicated team oversees every stage of winemaking, as well as the winery's sales and administrative functions. This includes coordinating tasting appointments, organizing tours, and proudly accepting awards and critical acclaim for their wines. Whether it's ensuring the quality of each batch or sharing the winery’s story with visitors, Schloss Gobelsburg’s team is deeply committed to excellence.
WineTasting
We’ve chosen to taste the Vintage 2012, Blanc de Blancs, and Brut Rosé from Schloss Gobelsburg to highlight the winery’s exceptional craftsmanship and the unique expressions of Kamptal’s terroir.
- Vintage 2012 (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Noir): A sparkling gem with a bright medium golden hue and lively silver reflections, it delights with a refined, persistent mousse. The nose opens with enticing aromas of white nougat, subtle brioche, and ripe yellow tropical fruits. Delicate hints of papaya emerge, complemented by candied lime and a touch of blossom honey. On the palate, this wine is juicy and multifaceted, showcasing a gently nutty white apple character and refreshing acidity. The mineral-salty notes add depth, leading to a long and satisfying finish.
- Blanc de Blancs 2021 (Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Chardonnay): A vibrant golden yellow color with elegant silver reflections. The nose opens with delicate tropical fruit aromas, hints of apple, blossom honey, and a touch of orange zest, rounded out by subtle notes of nougat. On the palate, it’s juicy and full-bodied, with a pleasing mango richness and a refreshing structure. The wine shows a mineral edge and impressive length, offering a well-developed depth.
- Brut Rosé 2021 (Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent): a lovely medium salmon pink color and delicate silver reflections, highlighted by a fine and persistent mousse. On the nose, enjoy hints of strawberry jam and pickled cherries, underlined by a touch of nougat and a refreshing hint of lime zest. Each sip reveals juicy white apple and red wild berries, balanced with a pleasant acidity and a subtle fruit sweetness on the finish.
The Heart of Kamptal Winemaking
Schloss Gobelsburg stands as a beacon of Austrian winemaking, producing approximately 750,000 liters of wine each year. With a heritage spanning centuries, the winery preserves Austria’s winemaking traditions while blending modern techniques to craft wines that are both timeless and innovative.
Whether you're drawn to the refreshing character of a sparkling wine, the depth of a single-vineyard Riesling, or the nuanced complexity of a Tradition wine, Schloss Gobelsburg offers an unforgettable journey through Kamptal’s terroir.