Weingut Meinhard Forstreiter

History:
The vineyard of 25 hectares/63 acres is situated in Krems-Hollenburg in the Kremstal, along the right bank of the Danube River, across from the Wachau.  There has been wine production in and around Hollenburg since the Roman Empire.
The Forstreiter family has been making wine here since 1868, but it has been the current owner and cellar master, Meinhard Forstreiter, who has brought the vineyard to a new level of quality and reputation. 
The single vineyards, Kogl, Tabor and Schiefer, produce the most outstanding and unique Grüners and Rieslings.  Cru Tabor, with 150 year old grapevines, is the home of the Austria’s oldest vines.  Cru Schiefer is the oldest vineyard of Hollenburg, dating back to 1364.

Soil:
Most of the wine grows close to the Danube on south or east facing terraces on conglomerate
(a rock-like formation), with different layers of loess, clay and sandy soil. This “Hollenburger Konglomerat,” was formed during the Ice Age, when gravel from the banks of the Danube was pressed together under enormous force. The unique soil formations and microclimate of this area produce exceptional fruity, spicy and peppery wines with lots of minerals.

Varietals:
Specializing in Grüner Veltliner, the German press has dubbed Forstreiter,
“The Grüner Veltliner Pope”.  Additionally, he grows outstanding Rieslings, Muskateller, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Rulaender and Rivaner.   His remarkable red varietals include St. Laurent, Zweigelt, Blauburger, and he is the only winemaker in Austria growing Zinfandel.

Vinification:
The vinification methods utilize the most advanced modern technology, using predominantly environmentally sound, sustainable methods.  The grapes are pressed carefully by the whole cluster pressing method, and are then fermented under temperature-controlled and strictly sanitary conditions.  This effort produces fruit-driven and elegant wines, clearly expressive of their variety.  Meinhard Forstreiter produces dry wines almost exclusively, except on the occasion of very special vintages, when he also vinifies  noble sweet dessert wines.