2020 Michael Gindl Flora
WINEMAKER: Michael Gindl
VARIETAL: Riesling, Gelber Muskateller, Scheurebe
REGION: Weinviertel, AT
VITICULTURE: Certified Biodynamic
The Flora is a blend of Riesling, Gelber Muskateller and the lesser known Scheurebe grape. These are the first grapes to be harvested, when the cover crops are still in bloom. The name ‘Flora’ refers to both the time of harvest, and the fresh, aromatic style of the wine. The grapes come from densely planted vines growing on gravel and loess topsoil. The grapes are hand harvested between the end of September and end of October, and transported to the cellar in small crates to preserve freshness. The Gelber Muskateller and Scheurebe is macerated on the skins for 3 hours, and the Riesling for 18 hours. The grapes are then gently pressed over 8 hours, and spontaneously fermented in steel tanks. The wine is aged for 6 months on the lees in steel tanks with a minimum amount of sulphur applied before bottling.
In just his mid-30's, Michael Gindl is one of the most exciting young winemakers helping to lead Austria's resurgence on the modern wine scene. When Michael finished agricultural school in 2002 it was clear that he wanted to run the farm that his family had owned since 1807. This farm has always practiced mixed agriculture with crops, livestock, forestry and wine. Michael was fascinated with fermentation and took over the responsibility for vinification during his school years. He followed the common doctrine but was never happy with his early wines.
It was only through stepping back and looking at the wines of his grandfather, a man who worked much more simply, with nearly no manipulation or intervention that Michael found his style and mantra. In 2012 Inspired by this he converted his winery and vineyards to Demeter bio-dynamics and began experimenting. Now Michael takes holistic farming to new heights with what he calls 'close-circuit bio-dynamics' - nothing comes into the winery, nothing comes out. This includes his barrels, which he makes himself from Acacia wood from the nearby forest.