Der Rebenhof Welschriesling 2019

Welschriesling is unrelated to Rhine Riesling — it is a distinct Central European variety with high natural acidity and a crisp, lighter-bodied profile. In Styria, it is the second most planted white grape and is typically vinified dry, producing wines that read as fresh and mineral rather than aromatic or weighty. Rebenhof's version is a dry still white, estate-grown in Südsteiermark near the Slovenian border.

The vines are 20 to 40 years old and grow on ancient river and lake bed deposits of sandstone, gravel, and calcareous marl on a steep slope. Rebenhof farms two principal vineyard sites: Witscheiner Herrenberg, composed of layers of sand, gravel, and silt, and Ratscher Nussberg, where the dominant soil type is Opok — the same grey calcareous marl known as Ponca across the border in Collio and Goriška Brda. These are steep sites; hand harvesting is required.

Owner and winemaker Hartmut Aubell has farmed organically since taking over Rebenhof in 2008, transitioned to biodynamic methods in 2013, and received Demeter certification in 2016. His winemaking philosophy centers on non-intervention: no additions in the vineyard or cellar. Aubell works with multiple aging vessels and releases wines when he considers them ready, resulting in sporadic vintage availability rather than a fixed production calendar.

The 2019 Welschriesling shows zesty lemon, green apple, and spice on the nose, with pineapple, citrus, and ginger on the palate, and a slight natural fizz on the finish from extended lees contact. The wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined without additions.