Weinberghof Fritsch

This is the second in a four-part series describing Austrian wines and introducing three wineries we recently presented in Ottawa.

Located in Oberstockstall (60 km west of Vienna in the Wagram wine region), Weinberghof Fritsch is focused on authentic, biodynamic wines. With a territory covering approximately 25 hectares, Fritsch has been growing biodynamic grapes since 2006. Starting in the 1970s, the Fritsch family established the Wagram property, and in 1999 it was taken over by Karl from his father. Its excellent reputation is based on its innovation in viticulture, as well as his commitment to the entire region of Wagram. The Weinberghof in tranquil Oberstockstall offers decades of experience acquired in its structure a green idyll in a Mediterranean flair. It is a wonderful place for young and old alike. The Wagram region is known predominantly for growing Grüner Veltliner, producing maturing hearty and spicy wines, with substance and drinking pleasure, as well as the rich, characterful Reserves.


We had the pleasure to present three of Fritsch's wines, which attained significant interest, one of which earned a rare and prized 5 star rating from Vic Harradine!


Weinberghof Fritsch ‘Erste Lage - Schlossberg’ 1OTW Grüner Veltliner 2010
Wagram, Austria $31.70 13.0% alcohol
Don’t be surprised to see this bio-dynamic gem popping up on tony wine lists; it’s a stunning rendition of what can be done with this grape. Think of ‘Erste Lage’ as a Grand Cru vineyard. This is complex and structured with mind-bending flavours of blood orange, white peach and lemon chiffon pie. It’s mid weight with a silky-smooth, generous texture and a lip-smacking, crisp, refreshing finish. Vic Harradine, Wine Current


Weinberghof Fritsch ‘Steinberg’ Grüner Veltliner 2010 

Wagram, Austria $20.50 12.5% alcohol
This flagship wine, from the single-vineyard ‘Steinberg’ plot, recently converted to biodynamic viticulture and viniculture practices. Mineral/slate and green apple on the nose, it washes the palate with a tangy, racy river of ripe pear and Granny Smith apple interwoven with lemongrass, peppery notes and racy citrus. There’s depth of flavour, excellent acidity and a touch of elegance. It punches well above the price with the quality-price balance tipped wildly in your favour. Vic Harradine, Wine Current


Weinberghof Fritsch ‘Wagram’ Grüner Veltliner 2010 

Wagram, Austria $17.30 12.0% alcohol
Mineral and floral aromas mingle with hints of pepper and spice in this mid-weight generously textured Grüner. The palate’s treated to rich and succulent flavours with white peach and racy citrus to the fore. The aftertaste replays the flavour from the palate and finishes in a blaze of lip-smacking tang. With good complexity and loads of nerve and verve, this stands up well to freshly shucked briny oysters under a squeeze of fresh lemon adorned by a drop or two of Tabasco. Vic Harradine, Wine Current

Personally, we were highly impressed by these wines, especially the Schlossberg! We hope it will soon be available through the LCBO stores, but in the meantime, we're glad to deliver by-the-case to your door.


In the next post, I will introduce Ewald Gruber, followed by a final post introduction of Hannes Sabathi.