Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wine Special 2017
The vineyards of family Müller.
Quality from tradition and sustainability The origin of quality wine is located in the vineyard. In order to harvest perfectly ripe and healthy grapes and to produce the best quality wine out of it, Austrian vintner family Müller follows this principle. A major goal is to preserve their source of success, the vineyards around the Göttweiger Mountain in the southern Kremstal. Family Müller has been cultivating vines there since 1936, now in the third generation. TEXT: THOMAS SCHROERS, DIANA MÜLLER I PHOTOS: WEINGUT MÜLLER
At the winery Müller, one has the unique opportunity to see and feel the origin of one glass of wine while tasting it. When enjoying the view of the tasting room on top of the cellar building, visitors are overlooking the single vineyards around the monastery Göttweig and along the Danube river. The winery Müller is strongly linked to the monastery Göttweig. Since 1270, the yard of the Müllers is listed in the archive of the monastery as a harvest court. From there on, the cultivators knew to appreciate the 28 | Issue 50 | May 2017
tradition and the rich and diverse soils of the Göttweiger Mountain. Bedrocks out of weathered slate are joined by chalky gravel, clay and loess. Warm winds clash with the cold influence of the Dunkelsteiner forest and the humidity of the Danube area. Together the natural diversity makes perfect conditions for both, fine white wines and full-flavoured red wines. Sustainability – a key to success When Leopold Müller started the family business in 1936 with an area of 0.7-hectare
vineyards, he not only laid the groundwork for the viticulture as such, but also to a specific way of working in harmony with nature. It is a way of working that has prevailed through the generations and been adopted by his son Leopold and nowadays is practiced by his grandchildren Leopold and Stefan. Supported by their whole family, Stefan is the expert manager of the vineyards, while Leopold is looking after the wine making and sales management. Together they are united by their attention to nature and the basic philosophy instituted by their father and grandfather.“Our philosophy is to work in harmony with nature and use the diverse opportunities of the Göttweiger Mountain consciously, to make the best of every grape.” After years of development and testing different options for a more sustainable viticultural process and a considerate