Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours took place from Sunday, May 28 - Thursday, June 08, 2023. We toured Austria for 12 days, starting and ending in Vienna: Wien, Wagram, Carnuntum, Burgenland, Steiermark, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wien.
Following:
Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
we went to Nigl: Weingut-Hotel-Restaurant.
The event had two parts. First, a seated tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl; second, a wine-pairing dinner at Restaurant Nigl with Nigl wines. Restaurant Nigl is rated in the Gault Millau at 14/ 20 points. Bertram Nigl, son of Martin Nigl, is the Chef.
Weingut Nigl wines are widely available in the USA, imported by Skurnik Wines.
Weingut Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal, Niederösterreich
The Nigl family has been cultivating vines in and around the town of Senftenberg for two centuries and sold the grapes to the local co-op. It was in 1985 that Martin Nigl persuaded his family to hold back some portions of grapes so that they could make their own wine. Since then, the winery has developed into a 75-acres, highly regarded sustainably farmed wine estate. Martin Jr. recently joined his father and they are now working side by side in the vines and cellar.
The Nigl winery is beautifully situated at the foot of the castle ruins of the Burgruine Senftenberg. The most important vineyards on the slopes of the Senftenberg are called Pellingen, planted with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, and Hochäcker, planted with Riesling.
Nigl’s fantasy name ‘Freiheit’ for this Grüner Veltliner comes with a story: The word means ‘freedom’ in English and is an homage to the history behind the centralized area from where he sources the grapes. This vineyard land is considered to be the first ever in Kremstal owned by private citizens. Prior to this, all vines were controlled by nobility and/or the Church.
The geology of the soils are much more similar to the famous sites in the Wachau region. However there is an important climatic difference in the two regions. Due to the influence of the forested mountains, the Senftenberg vineyards have much cooler nights than the Wachau and therefore larger diurnal swings in temperature, which call for a longer ripening season contributing spiciness and depth to the wines.
The German-British wine critic Stuart Pigott says of Martin Nigl's wines: From the smallest wine to the ultimate pinnacles, Nigl's white wines are crystal clear and extremely precise in aroma and taste. Here, almost indecent charm and great elegance are united; simply brilliant!
Nigl (25ha) - Skurnik Wines
Priel / Kremstal / Austria
Weingut Nigl, tucked deep in the Krems Valley on the edge of the Senftenberg mountain, often evokes feelings that one has traveled back to medieval times; the wines Martin Nigl creates are as ethereal as the vine lands that they come from. Martin Nigl is a first-generation winemaker, beginning in 1985 after convincing his family to keep the fruit from their small quantity of vines and bottle it themselves rather than selling it to the local co-op. The history with grape-growing is not nearly as recent though; the Nigl family has been farming here for over 200 years. Martin Jr. recently joined his father at the domaine and they are now working side by side in the vines and cellar.
The ruins of the Senftenberg castle, erected in 1197, are perched above the terraced vineyards Höchacker, Pellingen, Piri, and Kirchenberg. These terroirs of primary rock, or ‘gneiss,’ planted to Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, have much more in common with the Wachau than with the rest of the Kremstal. In fact, the border between the Wachau, to the west is political, and the geology is much more similar to the famous sites in that region. There is an important climactic difference in the two regions. Due to the influence of the forested mountains, Senftenberg experiences cooler nights than the Wachau and therefore larger diurnal swings in temperature, drawing out the ripening season and contributing spiciness and depth to the wines.
The collection of vineyards on the terraces of Senftenberg’s southwest facing slope is outstanding: Höchacker on the top terraces, Pellingen directly below, the Piri, and 4 small terraces called the Kirchenberg next to the winery. Nigl also has vineyards in the village of Krems, mostly planted to Grüner Veltliner including some very old vines, 75 years in age, planted on loess soils that contribute more opulent fruit and a creamier texture.
Martin practices sustainable farming, never using herbicides or insecticides, plants cover crops of legumes and herbs, and avoids copper, a mainstay in the biodynamic arsenal, but which he considers detrimental to his vines’ vitality, and harmful to the soil.
In the cellar, Nigl works almost exclusively in stainless steel, never de-stems, uses only ambient yeasts, settles musts by gravity only, racks twice, and never fines before bottling. The resulting wines are some of the most crystalline, transcendent bottlings in the portfolio.
- Vineyard Area: 25 hectares
- Top Sites:
- Senftenberger Piri: South facing mica-schist, planted to both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling
- Senftenberger Hochäcker: Separated from the Pelligren vineyard by only a wall. Soils are mica-schist.
- Senftenberger Pelligren: Bedrock of mica-schist with 35-45 year old vines
- Rehberger Goldberg: Amphibolite soils (metamorphic rock) planted to Riesling
- Soil Types: Mica-schist, amphibolite, slate and loess
- Grape Varieties: 40% Riesling, 40% Grüner Veltliner, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Weissburgunder, 10% Chardonnay, 2% Other varieties
Historisch gewachsen und ländlich charmant präsentiert sich das elegante Restaurant und Weingut Nigl im Kremstal. In der gemütlichen Gaststube und im idyllischen Gastgarten am Fuße der Ruine Senftenberg, servieren wir Ihnen beliebte Klassiker, frisch gekocht vom Küchenchef Bertram Nigl. Wir präsentieren in unserem Restaurant Weine aus dem Kremstal, vom Grünem Veltliner über Riesling bis hin zum Blauen Zweigelt.
Umringt von Weingärten und historischen Mauern fühlt man sich in unserem Gutshof besonders wohl. Hier finden Gäste den passenden Rahmen für ein gediegenes Abendessen, unvergessliche Familienfeste, erfolgreiche Firmenfeiern, romantische Hochzeiten oder gemütliche Sonntagnachmittage. In unseren Räumlichkeiten haben wir Platz für Gruppen bis zu 40 Personen. An schönen Tagen bietet sich der ruhige Gastgarten mit dem wunderbaren Blick zur Ruine zum Verweilen an.
Gerne können Sie sich bei einer Verkostung bei uns am Weingut in Senftenberg von der Qualität unserer Weine selbst ein Bild machen. Sollten Sie Interesse an reiferen Jahrgängen aus dem Kremstal haben, so hält die neu eingerichtete Vinothek besondere Weine für Sie bereit.
Bertram Nigl Cooks - Weingut Nigl
We will let you in on a secret: the secret of good taste. Bertram Nigl
is known for his finely balanced dishes and delicious food. Instead of
the vineyards, he moved into the kitchen of our restaurant. But the high
demands and conscious handling of the products are the same. As head
chef Bertram likes to try new dishes and adapt traditional classics with
refined ingredients. On this page, he reveals some of his favourite
recipes and wishes you success in trying them at home!
Restaurant Nigl - Gault Millau 14/20
Alles neu beim Nigl! Das teilweise neu gestaltete Restaurant und der attraktive neue Terrassen-Garten sind ansprechende Wohlfühlgaranten mit reizendem Ambiente. Mit regionaltypischem Sauerteigbrot, Aufstrich, Schinkenspeck und gesalzener Butter beginnt ein genüsslicher Besuch. Aus der saisonalen wie regionalen Karte mit zwei Menüs empfiehlt der freundliche Service fein-exotischen, feurigen Couscous-Salat mit grünen Bohnen, Ras el Hanout, Salzzitrone und Salatherzen sowie hausgemachte (und ausgezeichnete) Bärlauchravioli mit wachsweichem Eigelb, Spargel, Kerbel und Tomate. Auch der knusprig gebratene Zander mit würzigem Spitzkraut, Paprika und griechischem Joghurt sorgt für wohligen Genuss. Gelungen auch das Butterschnitzel vom heimischen Reh mit Shiitake-Pilzen und Erdäpfelpüree. Großes Vergnügen bereitet das gebackene Kokoseis mit dunkler Schokolade und gegrillter Ananas. Und der Wein? Da kann man beim Nigl aus dem Vollen schöpfen. Keinen hauseigenen Wein zu trinken, käme hier einer Sünde gleich.
Arriving
Tasting with Martin Nigl
Dinner at Restaurant Nigl
Bye-bye
Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - Published and Forthcoming Postings
ombiasy WineTours: Wine Tour Schedule 2023 - Austria, Germany/East, Burgundy/ Champagne, Germany/ North
Announcement: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours - 12 Days: May 28 - June 08, 2023
The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City
Wine Producer Austria - Not Only Gruener Veltliner
Summary: Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Schiller’s Favorite Spots to Drink Wine in Vienna, Austria
Dinner at an Iconic Beisl in Vienna: Griechenbeisl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour of the Monastery/ Palace Klosterneuburg and of the Weingut Klosterneuburg, with Wine Tasting - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Wiener Schnitzel and Tafelspitz at Plachutta in der Wollzeile, Vienna. Plachutta is more than a Restaurant: it is a Vienna Institution - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
After Dinner Drinks at Vis-a-Vis Wine Bar, Vienna - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Vienna: Viaker City Tour and Tour of Schloss Schönbrunn - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Lunch at Restaurant Die Seejungfrau in Jois at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Leo Hillinger, Burgenland, with Jakob Scharner, Diplom-Sommelier - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Weingut Netzl, Carnuntum, with Franz, Christine and Christina Netzl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Lunch at Restaurant Mole West at Lake Neusiedl - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Cellar Tour and Tasting at Weingut Anita and Hans Nittnaus, Burgenland, with Anita, Hans and Martin Nittnaus - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Umathum, Burgenland, with Joseph Umathum - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
2 Nights at Schloss Halbturn at Lake Neusiedl: Sekt Reception and two Dinners - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steindorfer, Burgenland, with Ernst and Roland Steindorfer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Light Lunch at Gránátos Étterem at Esterházy Kástely in Fertöd, Hungary: Hungarian Goulash Soup and Esterházy Cake - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
At the Liszt House in Raiding, where the Great Pianist, Romantic Composer and Conductor was Born - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Straka, Rechnitz, Burgenland, with Thomas Straka - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
High-end Sleeping and Eating in the Vineyard: Wohnothek am Ratschen and Restaurant am Ratschen (16/ 20 Gault Millau), Deutsch-Schützen - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Wachter-Wiesler, Burgenland, with Julia Wachter - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour, Tasting and Lunch at Weingut Jalits, Burgenland, with Mathias Jalits - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Neumeister, Straden, Vulkanland, Steiermark, with Christoph Neumeister - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Dinner with a View at Weinrefugium Brolli, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Sattlerhof, Steiermark, with Justė Sattler - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Wohlmuth, Steiermark, with Maria Wohlmuth - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
"Brettljause" and Wine at Buschenschank Trummer, Weingut Trummer, with Jürgen Trummer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Polz, Strass, Südsteiermark, with Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Tement, Steiermark, with Sommelier Andy Bodor and Manfred and Heidi Tement - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
"Steierisches Backhendl"-Lunch at Weingut Tement/ Restaurant Magnothek, Südsteiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Gustav Mahler, Sinfonie Nr. 3, at Graz Opera, Steiermark - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
In Eisenstadt, Burgenland: Tour at Haydn House, Lunch at Restaurant Henrici, Tour at Esterhazy Castle - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
At Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Langenlois, Kamptal: Impromptu Steininger Sekt Reception with Eva Steininger and Klaus Wittauer - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Wine-pairing Dinner at Heurigenhof Bründlmeyer (14.5/20 Points Gault Millau) - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Steininger, Kamptal, with Brigitta Steininger - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Jurtschitsch, Kamptal, with Alwin Jurtschitsch - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Austrian Beer and Wiener Schnitzel at Fiakerwirt in Langenlois - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Markus Huber, Traisental, with Markus Huber - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Vineyard Walk and Tasting at Weingut Tegernseerhof, Wachau, with Owner/ Winemaker Martin Mittelbach - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tour and Tasting at Domäne Wachau, Dürnstein, Wachau - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Tasting at Weingut Nigl with Martin Nigl and Wine-pairing Dinner at Restaurant Nigl (14/20 Points Gault Millau) with Chef Bertram Nigl, Senftenberg, Kremstal - Austria 2023 by ombiasy WineTours
Vintage 2011 Tasting with Lucas Pichler, Weingut F.X. Pichler, with Dirk Wuertz at his Koenigsmuehle in Rheinhessen, Austria/Germany
Tour and Tasting at Weingut F.X.Pichler, Wachau, with Lucas Pichler
Tasting at Weingut Matthias Hager, Kamptal, with Doris Hager
Lunch at Gasthaus Gutmann, Zöbing, Kamptal
Tour and Tasting at Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg, Kamptal, with Stefan Tabery
2 Days in Dürnstein, Wachau, at Hotel Richard Löwenherz
Farewell Dinner at Café Central in Vienna
