The Holzapfel Winery is housed in a historic building known as the Lesehof. It was built 700 years ago by the monks of St. Pölten and later given its baroque style by the renowned Austrian architect Jakob Prandtauer. At that time, when the vineyards of the Wachau were largely in the hands of the church and belonged to the surrounding monasteries, the Lesehof was the centre for the pressing of grapes and the administration of wine sales. Today, some 14 hectares of vines are cultivated using traditional methods. These include outstanding sites such as Achleiten, Vorderseiber, Weitenberg, Klaus and Kollmitz. The stony, mineral-rich and chalky slate soils produce high-quality grapes, but it's not just the sites that give these wines their unique character - low yields are also key. The diurnal cycle also plays a key role, creating special climatic conditions and, of course, the different altitudes of the vineyards, all of which contribute to a crisp acidity that ensures freshness and elegance.
Karl Holzapfel's aim is to produce defined, fruity wines full of character for everyday enjoyment. He also produces dry, elegant Smaragd wines with complex aromas and great ageing potential. This is partly due to the fine lees contact after fermentation which results in distinctive wines with style, definition, subtle fruit and a harmonious balance between minerality and freshness. The Holzapfel range includes the three classifications unique to the Wachau: Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd in the Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Weißburgunder varieties. The "Hippolyt" selection is particularly impressive with its delicious creaminess, elegance and finesse.
