Last week, it was announced that Weingut Petra Unger was awarded the International Riesling Trophy for Austria by The International Wine Challenge (IWC).
This prestigious award highlights the winery’s dedication to producing exceptional wines, rooted in mindful vineyard practices and respect for nature.
From pruning the vines in winter, careful treatment of the soil and vines, to hand-harvesting in autumn, these meticulous practices form the foundation for the winery's characterful wines.
Wine Passion in the Second Generation
The foundation for Weingut Petra Unger, established in 1987, was laid by Dr. Wolfgang Unger when he bought his first small vineyard in Ried Hinters Kirchl in 1964. What began as a hobby soon turned into a passion. Together with his wife, Veronika, he built up a winery striving for the highest quality.
In 1999, after his untimely passing, his daughter Petra Unger took over. She gained the necessary knowledge at the University of Life Sciences in Vienna, studying plant production and viticulture. Her education was supplemented by an internship at a vineyard management company and at Cakebread Cellars in Napa Valley, as well as through various wine study journeys and hands-on experience.
Since 2010, she has cooperated with Weingut Josef Edlinger to benefit economically from synergies, although each winery remains responsible for its own wines, giving them a personal touch. Petra is passionate about creating impressive, terroir-driven wines with freshness and elegance, complexity, and longevity.
The Vineyards
The 11 hectares of vineyards at Weingut Petra Unger are situated on both sides of the river Danube, on the eastern frontier of the Wachau Valley. On the south-facing stone terraces of Ried Gaisberg and Ried Hinters Kirchl in Stein, traditional dry stone walls store the day's heat, contributing to the elegance and minerality of their Rieslings. From these vantage points, the view extends across the Danube to the sun-drenched vineyards in and around Furth, which lie at the foothill of the Göttweig mountain with its majestic monastery. The quick ground squirrel, the "Ziesel," romps among the vines, demonstrating the winery’s respectful approach to nature.
On the southern banks of the Danube, deep, nutrient-rich calcareous loess shapes sites like Ried Gottschelle, Ried Oberfeld, and Ried Hintere Point. These soils can cover crystalline bedrock, ancient gravel conglomerate, sand, and silt from ancient sea or river deposits. The southern foothill of the Bohemian Highlands prevails here as Granulite, which is related to Gföhler gneiss but tightly structured and flat. In the steep south-facing sites on the northern banks of the Danube in Stein, like Ried Hinters Kirchl and Ried Gaisberg, the slopes are sometimes built from schist, sometimes from tight paragneiss with lenses of amphibolite and granite gneiss strings, and Gföhler gneiss.
Handcraft in the Vineyards
Handcraft is paramount at Weingut Petra Unger. From pruning the vines in winter, removing the water-shoots in spring, leaf work in summer, to hand-picking the grapes in autumn, many diligent hands of the dedicated long-time team take care of each vine and grape, mindful and with care.
“Less is more” is the philosophy in the cellar. Careful accompaniment of the process from grape to wine allows the expression of the character of the region and each vineyard with minimal intervention. Focusing on elegance, fruitiness, and freshness, the whites are fermented and matured 100% in stainless steel. Spontaneous fermentation is preferred, and the wines are given the time they need to develop their unique personality. The classic style village wines are bottled in February, while the complex and expressive Single-Vineyard and 1ÖTW Erste Lagen wines mature for several more months on the fine lees and are released in September or December. Petra Unger’s wines are defined by clear fruit, complexity, and elegance, with unpretentious production that enables the expression of the specific character of each vineyard.
Wine Tasting
I have chosen these two exceptional Rieslings from Weingut Petra Unger for our wine tasting to highlight the nuanced complexity and elegance that characterize the winery's offerings. These selections exemplify the meticulous vineyard practices and terroir-driven approach that have earned Petra Unger international acclaim, including the recent International Riesling Trophy.
- Riesling Kremstal DAC Ried Steinleithen 2023: Fresh and elegant profile, it is a refined and versatile option for many dining occasions. On the nose, it reveals a delightful bouquet of apricot and pineapple, underlined by the subtle presence of meadow herbs and delicate hints of clementine. The wine is juicy and elegant, with a lively arc of acidity that enlivens the palate. The mineral-salty undertones enhance the wine’s texture, providing a pleasing and persistent finish. The fresh acidity and mineral-salty character give the wine a crisp and clean profile that stays well on the palate.
- Riesling Kremstal DAC Ried Gaisberg 1ÖTW 2022: Delicate complexity and fresh, mineral-driven profile. On the nose, it offers subtle herbal notes that are delicate yet intriguing, suggesting a wine that is still somewhat shy and developing. There are also hints of tropical fruits like mango and papaya, adding a layer of exotic allure. The wine has a medium body with a good complexity that promises an interesting tasting experience. The fresh acidity structure is immediately noticeable, lending a crisp and invigorating quality to the wine. Additionally, there are hints of lemon balm (melissa) in the finish, adding a refreshing and slightly herbaceous element that lingers pleasantly.
Conversion to Organic Farming
With the 2024 vintage, Weingut Petra Unger will be certified organic after three years of conversion. Having worked closely with nature in the past, this was a logical step towards contributing to the preservation of a healthy environment for future generations.
Weingut Petra Unger’s recent accolade at the International Riesling Trophy underscores its dedication to crafting exceptional wines. Through mindful vineyard practices and a deep respect for nature, the winery continues to produce wines that reflect their unique terroir, demonstrating that great wines truly begin in the vineyard.