Else Zuschmann and Peter Schöfmann have been running a winery with gourmet apartments and a grocery store with regional produce in Martinsdorf in the Weinviertel region, just 20 minutes north of Vienna's city limits, with great dedication since 2000. The couple cultivate 17 hectares of vineyards organically, and the wines were also certified organic from the 2015 vintage onwards. As is usual in this region, Grüner Veltliner is the focus of their work, accounting for around 60 percent of total production. However, they are no less adept at vinifying their red wines and, in addition to Zweigelt, their range also includes more southerly varieties such as St. Laurent and Pinot Noir.
With the 2012 vintage, Else and Peter created a new structure for their wines. The wines are divided into three phases of life as a couple according to their tastes, and the labels depict the couple in their respective ages. The fresh and cheerful "First Joy" collection includes two uncomplicated single-varietal white wines and a rosé. Five medium-bodied white wines and two mild red wines are grouped under "Mitten im Leben". The strongest wines of the house are called "Lauf der Zeit". They consist of two full-bodied white wines and two full-bodied red wines.
The production of sparkling wine is becoming increasingly important. Bottle-fermented sparkling wines are vinified in the traditional way - bottle ageing on the fine lees for at least 18 months is the requirement. This method is also known as "sur lie" (French for "on the lees").
