Salomon Undhof: Kremstal (Austria)

Founded in 1792 SALOMON UNDHOF is a wine estate with a long tradition. The Salomon family own 20 hectares of vineyards which are planted with equal amounts of Riesling and Grüner Veltliner as well as a tiny amount of ‘Gelber Traminer’ on the best terraced sites along the Danube River in Stein and Krems. Today Bert and Gertrud Salomon run the winery.
The famous Riesling of the estate thrives on the top sites of Kögl and Pfaffenberg. The Grüner Veltliner Von Stein comes from the steep terrassed hills behind the old town of Stein. The best “loess” soils provide the Lindberg and Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner. All the grapes are harvested traditionally by hand only. Their great vineyard locations and meticulous work in the vineyards are prerequisites for their elegant wines. Wines with finesse and perfect mineral balance reflect the very special micro climate of this lovely river valley.

Matching each grape variety with the right soil and climate has always been the main focus of Salomon’s Viticultural efforts. The loamy soils offer optimum conditions for Grüner Veltliner, while the Riesling from Undhof thrives on primary rock soils in the single vineyards ‘Kögl’ and ‘Pfaffenberg’. These are soils identical with those of the Wachau, which borders on Stein in the west.  The Estate’s Grüner Veltliner and Riesling distinguish themselves through elegance and consistency.

Crisp light & dry                                            

2011    Grüner Veltliner ‘Hochterrassen’      
Coming from high altitude terraces in Stein and Krems. This elegant dry white wine has a lovely bouquet of fine citrus and fresh herbs.

2009    Riesling ‘Steinterrassen’      
Mountain grown in weathered ancient stone soil, this wine has a nose of delicate stone-fruit tones and sweet floral aromas. Soft smooth, fruity yet bone dry.

Kremstal DAC & single vineyards

2010 Güner Veltliner ‘Wieden & Berg’
Encircled by a massive property wall the Weiden vineyard is adjoining the winery. Vines from the Weiden old Gruner-Veltliner rootstocks have been planted on the terraces of the neighbouring Kreuzberg vineyard. A wine with supple mouthfeel and lush texture with hints of yellow peach.

2010 Riesling ‘Undhof Kogl’
A south facing terraced single vineyard in Stein composed of heavily weathered Urgestein with crystalline schist. Typically floral and stone fruit driven Riesling, with great finesse, refined white peach. Very elegant wine with lovely length.

2011 Riesling ‘Pfaffenberg’
The hard weathered stone soil on the Pfaffenberg is composed primarily of gneiss and granite. A highly focused wine with ripe stone-fruit aromas and immense underlying mineral structure.

2007 Riesling ‘Pfaffenberg’ – SOLD OUT
“Medium yellow-green. Grapefruit and lime laced with blossom honey on the nose. Round and silky, with a refreshing acid structure giving the wine a light, harmonious impression. Apricot, peach and lime linger with almost surprising persistence on the finish. Drink now through 2017.” 91 points Steve Tanzer

 2009    Grüner Veltliner ‘Lindberg’ Reserve            
50+ yo vines in this single vineyard growing on loess over slate, located between the Kogl and Wachtberg. This wine has strikingly intense aromatics and bracing acidity.

 
2009    Grüner Veltliner ‘Von Stein’ Reserve        
South-facing steep primary rock terraces in Stein with old vines of 50 years and more. A delicious zesty Gruner Veltliner, distinctly mineral-rich at first taste. A closely meshed mouthfeel and substantial structure, with fine fruit extracts. The ripe stone fruit flavor dominates the long finish.

 2009 Riesling ‘Steiner Kogl’ Reserve
South-facing single vineyard in Stein with old vines of 50 years and more. A rich though elegant Riesling that offers powerful minerality. Ages spectacularly well.

 2007 Riesling ‘Undhof Kogl’ Reserve
“Medium yellow. Elegant peach and discreet pineapple comprise an inviting bouquet. Clear, brilliantly delineated peach and apricot flavors show terrific verve all the way though the mineral-driven, nearly salty finish. This classic Austrian-style riesling displays superb length and outstanding aging potential. Drink 2010 to 2022.” 93 points Steve Tanzer

 2009 Riesling Pfaffenberg Metternich & Salomon Reserve
South-facing steep terraces overlooking the Danube. The hard weathered stone soil in the Pfaffenberg is composed primarily off gneiss and granite with old vines of 50+ yo. A fully ripe bouquet of Riesling with intense stone fruit characteristics. Great complexity and structure with real mineral depth .

 Museum reserve – shipped direct from the Salomon museum stock from the cellars in Krems
1996 Riesling ‘Pffafenberg’ Library Reserve
“The last vintage from the old cellar-regime; I thought it might be “difficult,” being a 1996 and all, but it’s a lovely grown-up Riesling, old-school, murmury and herbal, with a juiciness as if you’d squeezed the sap from herb leaves; salty and brothy and atmospheric; dried apricot—preserved things in general—potpourri; a rare chance at a 2ndstage Riesling that’s sanely priced.” Terry Thiese