E. Triebaumer
– Burgenland, Austria
Spearheading the sustainable winemaking movement more than 3 decades ago, the E. Triebaumer winery is a leader in the natural wine world today. Located in Rust, a historic village on the shores of Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland, the family produces low-intervention wines on 18 hectares with practices far beyond organic and biodynamic requirements.
In the seventies, Ernst Triebaumer started producing light yet elegant expressions of Blaufränkisch, contrary to the big styles popular at the time. He believed this method spoke more to the qualities of the grape.
Sticking to these principles over decades, Triebaumer wines have gained international recognition, particularly its immortal Blaufränkisch and Ruster Ausbruch (a Trockenbeerenauslese, or sweet late harvest wine made with noble rot).
The sons, Gerhard and Herbert, carry on this legacy in the vineyard and in the cellar. They ensure their vines are nurtured by healthy cover crops, grazing sheep, and surrounding hedges that work harmoniously to provide the healthiest symbiotic environment.
The E. Triebaumer winery is a cult hero in the Austrian wine scene. Its incredible quality and longevity are a testament to sustainability in viticulture. Yet, the wines are unicorns on the international scene. They are among the only 24 wineries awarded the Robert Parker Green Emblem worldwide.
When asked for the perfect Xmas Wine, the distributor for E. Triebaumer chose the Blaufränkisch Ried Gemärk: “a vibrant, fresh expression of Blaufränkisch brings black forest fruit, spice, and minerality to the table – ideal for a roasted duck with berry compote or a Boeuf Bourguignon.”
Cultivation: 18 ha
Production: 90,000 bottles/year
Varieties: Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Blauburgunder, Chardonnay, Furmint, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling
Approach: Beyond biodynamic requirements, over 3 decades of sustainable agricultural practices. Registered with Demeter but do not want the Label.
Certifications: Demeter
Sulfites: No sulfites during fermentation, classic wines 1-2 during maturation (30-40 mg/l added sulfites), Traminer Ganze Traube & Ungezogen only once at bottling with 10 mg/l, Urwerk without Sulfites
