Established in 1960 by Franz Leth Sr., this family-run winery has evolved through three generations, continuously enhancing its reputation for producing distinctive and high-quality wines, including exceptional sparkling wines.
The Terroir: Soil and Climate
The Wagram region is characterized by its unique loess soil, with layers reaching up to 20 meters high. This well-penetrable soil structure allows the vine roots to delve deep, absorbing essential water and nutrients. Such a foundation is crucial for nurturing vines that produce grapes with rich, concentrated flavors.
The climate in this region is significantly influenced by the Pannonian climate, which contributes to the creation of wines with remarkable spice and creaminess. This climatic influence, combined with the loess soil, provides the perfect conditions for cultivating unique and characterful wines.
Key Vineyards and Grape Varieties
Weingut Leth's most important vineyards include Ried Scheiben and Ried Brunnthal. These vineyards are meticulously managed to ensure the highest quality grapes. The primary grape varieties grown are Grüner Veltliner and Roter Veltliner, along with Riesling. While the focus remains on white wines, the winery also produces notable red wines, including Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as sparkling wines.
Sparkling Wines: A Family Jewels
Among Weingut Leth's sparkling wine offerings, the use of Roter Veltliner stands out. The winery has embraced this grape variety across various styles, from village wine to sparkling wine, single-vineyard wine, and even sweet wine. This initiative is encapsulated in their campaign, "We are Roter Veltliner!"
Traditional Methods with Modern Techniques
The production of their sparkling wines involves traditional methods combined with modern winemaking techniques. Each bottle is a testament to the careful manual work in the vineyard and the meticulous attention to detail in the cellar. The sparkling wines are crafted to develop their fruit characters fully, with bottling occurring only after this optimal development—up to one year for single-vineyard wines and up to 24 months for reds.
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Roter Veltliner Sparkling Wine Reserve Brut 2019: This sparkling wine showcases the elegance and complexity of the Roter Veltliner grape - light, radiant yellow-green hue with lively, persistent bubbles. The nose is greeted with aromas of apples and nuts, accompanied by hints of yellow and red berries. On the palate, the wine impresses with its balance of lightness and creamy fullness, underpinned by precise acidity. The finish reveals a touch of brioche and yeasty notes, hallmark traits of bottle fermentation.
- Blanc de Noirs Brut Pinot Noir 2018: Rich yellow with a hint of old gold. Delicate and refined, offering notes of grated hazelnuts, ripe apples, and subtle biscuit nuances. A creamy and luxurious beginning unfolds on the palate, complemented by nuanced yeast characters. The wine showcases a well-balanced acidity that invigorates the senses, with a stimulating structure that maintains harmony throughout. The finish is long and mineral-driven, leaving a delicate impression of herbal spices that add to its depth and sophistication.
Sustainability and Organic Practices
Weingut Leth is a certified sustainable and organic winery, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity. The vineyards are managed without the use of herbicides and insecticides, emphasizing manual work and selective harvesting to ensure that only the healthiest and ripest grapes are used.
Weingut Leth is a proud member of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW), an association of prestigious wineries dedicated to upholding the highest standards of winemaking. Additionally, their certification under "Nachhaltig Austria" reinforces their commitment to sustainable practices.