Region & Terroir

geological distinctiveness

Röschitz is situated in northern Weinviertel on the slopes of Manhartsberg. With an average temperature of 9.5°C, it counts among the cool wine producing regions.
Thanks to a special geological feature, outstanding conditions for growing wine are to be found here – perhaps even the best in all of Weinviertel.

Principally gravel, sand and loess characterize Weinviertel.  In contrast, we hardly have typical sandy soils, instead meagre primary rock soils with granite and partial shallow loess top soil.

The crystalline primary rock, together with the rather cool climate, enable an especially mineral, spicy wine profile.
Furthermore, we have been able to observe earlier ripening of the grapes since organic vineyard management.
Thereby, they develop less sugar and thus less alcohol, require less sulfur and provide for fresh, long-lived and straight-forward wines!
Simply unmistakable!

Climate –

Nordwein, cool climate

Our vineyards are located between 250 and 360 m altitude.
Through the proximity to Waldviertel, we are lucky to have nice cool nights, even in midsummer. This thermal diversity creates fruity, complex taste experiences.
The typical acidity retains its structure, even with higher alcohol levels to give the wines distinctive drinking pleasure.
And: we have comparatively little rainfall (490 mm annual precipitation).

Weinviertel is generally classified to have “Pannonian climate “. The region demonstrates continental thermic conditions and oceanic hygric influences.
Speaking roughly, this means hot summers, cold winters and alltogether very little rain. Significant is the quick transition from winter to spring. Most precipitation comes in summertime through short, but intensive thunderstorms.
Persistent, long rainy periods rarely occur. Snowfall in winter is scarce and is usually blown away by the wind.

Grape varieties –

Grüner Veltliner is the boss

White
Grüner Veltliner plays the main role in our winery, with around 50%, followed by Riesling with 7%
the remaining white wine range is composed by Gelber Muskateller, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Welschriesling

Red
Definitive in quantity, Zweigelt plays the main role among the reds – with just about 25%, while indeed both Burgundy varieties Pinot Noir and St. Laurent are continually gaining significance for us.

They love our cool nights. Furthermore, we use Merlot and sometimes also Cabernet Sauvignon for our red wine blend.

REIPERSBERG

Reipersberg is situated on meagre primary rock soil (granite) from which the wines derive their typical mineral character. The south slope was formed as a terrace and the vines are among our oldest: They are up to 60 years old.

HUNDSPOINT

“Point“ indicated in earlier times the Best of the Best:
Locations of highest fertility.
Hundspoint (Dog’s Point) is a pure southern site. Its rich loess earth is a “hot“ soil that retains the heat especially well – This helps the grapes reach optimal ripeness.

KÖNIGSBERG

Königsberg (King’s Mountain) is situated east of the Röschitz town center. It is 353 m high. The soil composition is primary rock. The rock weathering of the granite masses plus most diverse lime deposits lend structure to the mineral components of its wines.

HINTERHOLZ

“Holz“ (wood) is a popular expression for forest and “Hinterholz“ means backwood – so as you can imagine, there is a little forest behind this vineyard.  These neighbors produce together a special microclimate: Day and night temperatures fluctuate strongly, which has an incisive effect on the fruit. Hinterholz is also situated on primary rock soil.

GALGENBERG

Gallow Mountain – Up through the 19th century, this site was actually a place of execution – in the meantime, fortunately used for more pleasurable activities.
The loamy loess soil is ideal for red wine, particularly St. Laurent and Pinot Noir. The vines have passed their first youth and are already 15 years old.

LAUSCHEN

This term comes from “luschen“, which described in the Late Middle Ages something hidden. Lauschen is nestled in a hollow characterized by a unique, more protected microclimate. The fertile loess soil is ideal for Zweigelt.

MÜHLBERG

The summit rises above the former Röschitz mill (Mühle). Distinctive is the strong southern alignment of the site with a precious stock of old vines growing on typical Röschitz primary rock.

By the way: Family Gruber, always on the go, also cultivates vineyards of two other established wine estates in Weinviertel:
Stift Altenburg and Schloss Maissau.

Weingut Schloss Maissau

Weingut Stift Altenburg