Weingut Steininger: Kamptal's Legacy of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine and International Women's Day share a delightful synergy, both embodying elegance, resilience, and celebration. From winemakers and vineyard workers to sommeliers and enthusiasts, women have played integral roles in shaping the world of wine.

In the heart of Austria's renowned Kamptal region, where rolling vineyards and historic villages paint a picturesque landscape, lies the story of a family deeply rooted in the art of winemaking. Since 1989, this family has upheld a tradition of excellence, producing sparkling wines that embody the essence of their terroir and the passion of their craft.

A Heritage of Dedication

At the helm of this family business, Brigitta and Karl Steininger began producing sparkling wine using the traditional method. The next generation of family's winemakers, Eva and Peter Steininger continue this tradition, overseeing every aspect of production, ensuring that each bottle reflects the family's unwavering dedication to their craft. "We firmly believe that a wine's origin is of paramount importance and thus serves as a true ambassador for the unique terroir of Kamptal," says Eva Steininger.

Terroir: The Soul of Kamptal

The vineyards of Kamptal are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the family's winemaking philosophy. Nestled along the banks of the Kamp River, the region's unique terroir imparts a distinct character to the grapes, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and complexity. From the gravelly soils of Langenlois to the sun-drenched slopes of Zöbing, each vineyard parcel contributes its own nuances to the final blend, creating a symphony of flavors that is unmistakably Kamptal. 

Méthode Traditionnelle: A Tradition of Excellence

Central to the family's winemaking tradition is the meticulous process of crafting sparkling wine using the méthode traditionnelle. From hand-harvesting the grapes to conducting the secondary fermentation in the bottle, every step is carried out with precision and care. It is this dedication to traditional methods combined with modern innovation that sets their sparkling wines apart, resulting in a range of cuvées that are celebrated both locally and internationally.

As Steininger Winery focus is on premium sparklings, it vinifies various varieties like Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Traminer, Muskateller (Muscat), Cabernet Sauvignon, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.

The sparkling wine portfolio is split mainly into these categories:

1. "Reserve": All grape varieties from Kamptal are individually and vintage-specifically bottle-fermented.
2. "Große Reserven": Centered not only on vintage and grape variety but also on terroir.
3. "Method Elementar": A family method to produce sparklings - the fermentation of the base wine is stopped and is bottled unfiltered for the second fermentation. Being aged on the yeast, the wine is disgorged without dosage, providing an amazing character, unique and "elementar" taste.

Wine tasting

For "Große Reserven" vintages, the winery has chosen three special sites: Heiligenstein for mineral-rich Riesling; Steinhaus for complex Grüner Veltliner and humus-rich soil on the Panzaun plateau for excellent Weißburgunder (or Pinot Blanc). 

We had the pleasure to taste two marvelous elixirs of Große Reserve, the top sparkling wine quality of Austria:

1. Grüner Veltliner Ried Steinhaus Large Reserve Sparkling Wine 2018: Rich and complex wine from Steinhaus vineyard; on the nose, apple, pears, tropical fruits and notes of flowers (acacia); on the palate, charming and mineral taste, good structure on mineral and acidity, with long and enjoyable aftertaste.
2. Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) Ried Panzaun Large Reserve Sparkling Wine 2017: Delicious, elegant and strong character from the high plateau Panzaun; on the nose, floral aromas (acacia), honey, yellow apple, pears; on the palate, splendid refreshing taste, balanced on alcohol and mineral, medium-to-high acidity. Pleasant, creamy and fine finish.

The Reserve range selected for tasting was presented by the following vintages:

1. Riesling Reserve Sparkling Wine 2020: A light golden-yellow wine captivates through complexity and finesse; on the nose, delightful aromas of tropical fruits, yellow apple, pears and honey; on the palate, excellent structure, very balanced on acidity and mineral, with a pleasant citrus finish.
2. Grüner Veltliner Reserve sparkling wine 2019: A distinct and delicate pale-yellow wine; on the nose, herbs, honey, citrus and green apple; on the palate, good structure on acidity and mineral, with subtle spicy notes. Long velvety finish.
3. Chardonnay Reserve Sekt 2020: An elegant and sophisticated golden-yellow wine; on the nose, intense aroma of herbs and floral, with notes of tropical fruits and apple; on the palate, good texture, mineral, acidic, with a long and fine mineral aftertaste. 

Instead of conclusion

With each sip of Weingut Steininger sparkling wine, one goes on a journey through the vineyards of Kamptal - a journey guided by tradition, fueled by passion, and marked by excellence. In every bottle, one discovers not just a wine but a story - a story of heritage, of terroir, and of the timeless pursuit of perfection.

As we commemorate International Women's Day, a day of empowerment and solidarity, let us toast to the strength, ingenuity, and unwavering spirit of women everywhere, with each bubble in our glass symbolizing the effervescence of their achievements. Cheers to the women who inspire us, empower us, and continue to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Happy International Women's Day!