94 bonvinitas points by Dieter Simon: magnificently matured, downright distinguished Pinot Blanc 2022
from the Vienna Wine Estate Cobenzl
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94 bonvinitas points from Dieter Simon: magnificently matured, downright distinguished Pinot Blanc 2022 Winery Vienna Cobenzl. In the picture, the Seidenhaus vineyard.
2022 Weissburgunder (pinot blanc), Weingut Wien Cobenzl (Wine Estate Vienna Cobenzl)
Regarding my notes: On the nose, a noble ripeness with wonderful depth emerges, from which notes of ripe apples, pears, and even white table grapes appear; on the palate, one experiences an almost refined, harmonious fullness, beautifully dry yet with a fine glace, from which further notes of autumn apples emerge; a very elegant, equally refined finish accompanied by mineral notes and subtle pepper.
In Austria, Ried means vineyard site; 1ÖTW is a first site of Austrian traditional wineries.
The Vienna Cobenzl winery – a remarkable history
The approximately 60-hectare vineyard estate on the Latisberg hill above the famous Viennese wine tavern district of Grinzing boasts an impressive history: In 1773, Count Johann Philipp Cobenzl built a large castle there with a magnificent garden, along with associated outbuildings (today's Cobenzl Winery). The Count and the castle became renowned for the lavish parties held there by the Viennese court. Soon, it was simply known as Cobenzl. Many famous visitors came and went, including Emperors Joseph II and Franz I. Mozart spent some time in one of the farmhouses, working on his Magic Flute there. Unfortunately, the castle fell victim to Napoleon's troops in 1809, who destroyed it. In 1835, it was acquired by Karl Ludwig Friedrich von Reichenbach. Johann Strauss Sr. conducted his orchestra in the castle garden's dance hall. After Reichenbach's death, the estate changed hands several times. Finally, in 1907, the City of Vienna acquired the castle, the dairy, the farm buildings, and the surrounding land, opening a hotel and café there in 1911. During World War II, the castle served as an air force headquarters and later as a refugee shelter. In 1988, Mayor Dr. Michael Häupl, then City Councillor for the Environment, laid the foundation stone for what is now a professional winery. Wine has been cultivated in the area since the 13th century. Among the famous figures associated with Cobenzl is Teddy Kollek, who served as mayor of Jerusalem for 28 years and was born in Vienna in 1911. In his autobiography, he recalls his time at the Cobenzl winery in 1930.
Today, the castle and its café are a popular destination for day trips and events. The winery is housed in the outbuildings. The Seidenhaus vineyard is located (pictured bottom left) directly on the slope below the Cobenzl mountain.
Text: Dieter Simon, wine influencer and publisher of www.bonvinitas.com, bottle photo: bonvinitas, Ried Seidenhaus: © RWK Vienna / www.pov.at / Robert Herbst
