2022 Weingut Pasler Chardonnay - Ried Lindauer

Brothers Michael and Johannes Pasler established their “small and humble winery” in 2015, at the north end of the Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) in Burgenland. Although Austria is best-known for grüner veltliner and riesling, it also has some great terroirs for other white varieties, including chardonnay.

This wine is the Pasler brothers’ top chardonnay, from the single, organically-farmed vineyard Lindauer. The soil type in Lindauer is called Muschelkalk in German: limestone-dominated, with fossilized seashells from an ancient seabed. It gives minerality and structure to chardonnay and other varieties. After harvest and crushing, the grapes macerated with the skin for several hours and then underwent spontaneous fermentation in large oak barrels. The wine then aged on the lees in the same barrels for 12 months. The result is beautiful chardonnay, perhaps poised between Chablis and a great Mâcon Blanc, with an Austrian touch of powerful grace. The nose is taut and spicy, with a hint of reduction, judicious oak, and a mineral edge. The palate has medium body, racy acidity, and a long and classy finish. Drink it in an ample wine glass with creamy pasta dishes or smoked salmon.