What defines a truly great winemaker? Whether it's a small vintage or a great one, you can always count on them to create a superb wine. And the Kollwentz family has been a force to be reckoned with at every tasting for years, no matter what the vinification method or variety. At the Falstaff magazine's annual summer tasting of white Pinot and Chardonnay, the tasters are always in complete agreement. Not only is the classically vinified Chardonnay Leithakalk one of the best year after year, but the two Chardonnays from the Tatschler and Neusatz vineyards have also won the Burgunder-Barrique-Trophy (white Pinot varieties and Chardonnay barrique trophy) many times. And the Chardonnay Gloria won the Reserve Trophy. The Sauvignon Blanc from the Steinmühle vineyard also deserves special attention, as its flinty soil is ideal for this piquant variety. The results for the reds are no different from those for the whites: While Cabernet Sauvignon won in its category with the 2009 and 2011 vintages, the jury chose the Cuvée Steinzeiler 2008 as the winner. The Blaufränkisch Point 2015 scored an astounding 98 points, and the Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 received the top score of 100 points. Anton Kollwentz, senior, is the pioneer of Cabernet Sauvignon in Austria and started a real Cabernet boom with his Falstaff wins in 1984 and 1985. Andi Kollwentz junior is the decathlete of Austria's winemakers, mastering a wide range of disciplines and ranking among the best in every category. He is supported by his wife, Heidi, their two daughters, Barbara and Christina, and a well-coordinated team whose members have been working at the winery for over 25 years.
The Kollwentz family's success is rooted not only in their meticulous nurturing of the vines but also in their 25 hectares of vineyard sites. Situated on the southern slopes of the Leithagebirge, the vineyards bear names such as Steinzeiler, Point, Setz, Dürr, Steinmühle, Neusatz, Tatschler, Katterstein, and Gloria. They are among the most historic and prestigious in the country. The vineyards are situated between 170 and 325 metres above sea level. The warmest sites are dominated by Blaufränkisch. The Point and Setz vineyards form the core of Großhöflein's red vineyards, from which the Blaufränkisch grapes for Steinzeiler, the winery's top wine, come. At over 200 metres above sea level, the realm of the Chardonnay begins. The altitude and the influence of the forests flanking the highest peaks of the Leithagebirge create a cool microclimate, which is reflected in the finesse of the aromas and the intensity of the flavours. The Chardonnay Crus "Gloria", "Tatschler", "Katterstein", and "Neusatz" thrive here on limestone soils, as does the Pinot Noir in the Dürr vineyard.
