Zillinger

Herbert and Carmen Zillinger's biodynamic winery was established in the southeastern Weinviertal, where they were captivated by the unique terroir of loess, sandstone, and limestone soils that span their vineyards in Ebenthal and Ollersdorf.

History

From Family Legacy to Biodynamic Pioneers

Driven by a deep commitment to biodynamic practices and terroir expression, Herbert and Carmen Zillinger expanded their original 7 hectares of old family vines to 16 hectares, spread across 24 parcels in Ebenthal and Ollersdorf. Their meticulous approach to viticulture, focused on soil health and balanced vine growth, has established them as reference point producers for biodynamics in the region, attracting aspiring winemakers from around the world to learn their methods.

The Vision

Crafting Wines of Depth and Elegance

The Zillingers have always balanced tradition with innovation, seeking to create wines that truly reflect their terroir. Their philosophy centers on nurturing healthy, vital soils to produce balanced, expressive grapes. In the vineyard, they employ careful cover crop management and minimal intervention, steering vines towards generative growth. The cellar work is equally thoughtful, with spontaneous fermentation, long lees aging, and gentle handling. Walking into their winery, one is struck by the blend of traditional large wooden casks and modern concrete eggs, a testament to their pursuit of the perfect vessel for each wine's expression. This harmonious approach results in wines of remarkable depth, tension, and drinkability.

The Wines

Weinviertal's Finest: Zillinger's Terroir-Driven Grüner Veltliners

We are thrilled to showcase Zillinger's exceptional Grüner Veltliners, each a testament to their biodynamic practices and terroir-focused winemaking. The 'Neuland' 2023 offers a sprightly introduction to their style, while the 'Horizont' 2022 beautifully balances the contrasting terroirs of Ebenthal and Ollersdorf. The single-vineyard expressions, 'Hirschenreyn' 2022 and 'Kalkvogel' 2022, showcase the distinctive characteristics of their respective sites. Comparing these wines to music, one might evoke the complexity of a classical symphony, where each note is precisely placed yet contributes to a harmonious whole. These wines represent some of Austria's finest offerings, benefiting from the Zillingers' deep understanding of their land and their commitment to biodynamic principles, resulting in Grüner Veltliners of remarkable purity, depth, and versatility.