Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wine Special 2017
Barrique cellar.
Passion for cultivating time The winery of Heribert Bayer, In Signo Leonis, has been producing top-quality wines for over 20 years. Located in Austria’s charming Central Burgenland, the climate and region’s soil are perfect for cultivating Blaufränkisch grapes, which are at the heart of the family business’ excellent wines. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: HERIBERT BAYER
The natural and balanced environment, deep clay soils, Pannonian climate, and the Burgenland’s hilly landscape are the perfect backdrop for growing rich, aromatic and complex white and red wines. A region that is famous with culinary tourists and connoisseurs is home to some of the best and most traditional wineries in the country. The state-of-the-art winery of Heribert Bayer is characterised by his family’s love for unique wines and their dedication to resourceful growing and ageing methods. Giving wines time “At a time when life is very fast-paced, and products are made for quick consumption, we are eager to give our wines time. Time to grow, to mature and to age. All of our house wines age for at least 12 42 | Issue 50 | May 2017
months in small, French oak barrels, and after this time the wine is bottled and may age even further,” explains Patrick Bayer, second-generation winemaker. The result of this time and labour are harmonious and complex white and red wines, which not only impress with an attractive primary fruit, but also with versatile secondary aromatics. The top wines of the house, which are named in Latin according to the family’s star signs, are well-known for unfolding their greatest pleasure in drinking after a few years of bottle ageing. Excellence since 1997 For more than two decades, the Austrian winery has been pursuing excellence in taste and quality of production. Their busi-
ness philosophy has been a success. What started out as Heribert Bayer’s small enterprise and his self-taught expertise, has grown into an expansive and acclaimed winery. Each year, since 1997, the Cuvée In Signo Leonis, has been among the top wines in Austria and beyond. Today, the Bayer’s family business produces white and red wines that have repeatedly won critical appraise among experts and customers. Heribert and Patrick Bayer share the vision for their winery and their passion to guarantee the quality, integrity and full character of their wines. Distinct Blaufränkisch grapes The Bayer’s crops are located in the picturesque village of Neckenmarkt. The rich soil and amiable climate of the valley help to grow grapes of character and distinction. The climate is also perfect for Blaufränkisch and its pronounced fruity, spicy and mature flavour. At least 300 sunshine days and only 600 millimetres of rainfall per year guarantee outstanding grape and wine quality.