Markus Altenburger 'Joiser Reben' Grüner Veltliner 2018

Neusiedlersee-Hügelland is a sub-region of Burgenland, in Western Austria, and features a low mountain range to the west of Lake Neusiedl known as the Leithaberg. This area is unique for its mix of marine limestone and mica schist soils. Markus Altenburger's family has been in the region for over 500 years, originally farming a mix of animals, agricultural crops, and wine. In the 1990s, Markus’s father moved the entire production to wine and Markus joined the family winery in 2006 and began conversion to organic practices. 2018 marks the birth of Altenburger's 'Joiser Reben', which hails from the flatter vineyards in the Ladisberg (so a declassified, uber-quaffable version of his muscular Leithaberg DAC bottling). It’s 100% grüner veltliner that is macerated for two days and then spontaneously fermented in 50% stainless steel with the remainder being concrete egg and neutral barrel, followed by 8 months aging in neutral barrel on the lees. It is then racked and aged for a short time longer in steel and concrete before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Brash and loud, yet true to its roots, this is amplified grüner veltliner turns up the tropical fruits, citrus juice, and peppery tones like it's playing a sweaty basement show while the parents are out of town. This is simply a fun wine. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.