Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austrian Wine Special 2017
Jacqueline Klein.
Made by a woman’s hand Business power, love, and passion for delicate wines describe the work of this Austrian female winemaker. Jacqueline Klein believes in what she does, and is the sole owner and woman behind her label. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE I PHOTOS: WINERY JACQUELINE KLEIN
The winery is located in Andau, the ‘hot pocket’ of Austria, less than a mile from Austria’s border with Hungary. In this region, growing and making excellent wines is as natural as the sunny climate and dry soils. Winegrowers have used the amiable climate for centuries, and winegrowing is a firm part of the local culture. New generation of female winemakers Klein explains that her choice of profession came to her naturally. “It has always been my dream to produce my own vision of wine. My parents cultivated 26 hectares of vineyards and produced wine. I was firmly determined to create my own product, and in 2010 I entered the winemaker scene,” states Klein. “My work highlights the nature-oriented care and processing of the vineyards according to the philosophy of the integrated 44 | Issue 50 | May 2017
production, permanent quality management, control, gentle processing and vinification. Ultimately, my goal is to produce compact, expressive wines with a distinctive varietal character!” Excellent red and white wines The range of wines include predominantly red grapes (75 per cent): Zweigelt, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as white grapes (25 per cent): Welschriesling, Gelber Muskateller, Sauvignon Blanc und Chardonnay. The aromas and labels of the wines are diverse and colourful. Klein says that she loves the strong, deep aromatic taste of red wines matured in barrique barrels and takes pride in the fact that her products are characterised by this personal, hand-made approach and care. Her business philosophy is impressive: “I really think that quality wines are being
created in the vineyards. Every wine year is a challenge and at the same time a tremendous motivation to achieve my goals. To me, clean, precise and controlled working processes in the cellar are enormously important. My goal is that the typical character of the wines should be clearly recognisable and that all wines bear my handwriting: ‘made by a woman’s hand’,”states Klein. The winery works closely with partners in Austrian stores, gastronomy and private customers. The product range of both red and white wines, as well as arrangements for tasting tours (individual or groups) can be made via the website. www.klein-wein.at