Johannes Trapl
– Carnuntum, Austria
Johannes Trapl’s vineyard is located in the historic Carnuntum Wine Region, one of Austria’s most beautiful and evolving wine areas. This gem of the Danube Valley has been home to vineyards for centuries, dating back to Roman times when Carnuntum was a thriving outpost. The region’s diverse mix of soils – from limestone to gravel and loam – creates an ideal environment for viticulture.
After studying viticulture and gaining experience in Napa Valley, Johannes returned to Austria, drawn by the unique possibilities of his homeland. His journey began humbly, with just a half-hectare of vines on his family’s small, mixed-agriculture farm. Since 2010, his vineyards have been certified organic and Demeter-certified biodynamic, reflecting his simple philosophy: humans adapt to the earth, not the other way around.
At the core of his craft is a focus on low-alcohol wines that highlight the nuances of the land. As Johannes puts it, “The lower the alcohol in my wines, the more I can see the terroir.” His vineyards are vibrant ecosystems, with interstitial rows of cover crops like legumes, oats, and rye, and a flock of sheep grazing through the vines to handle weeding. In the cellar, Johannes takes a no-nonsense approach. All fermentations are spontaneous, whether in open wooden vats, amphora, or stainless steel tanks. His wines are neither fined nor filtered, and they receive only minimal sulfur before bottling.
Johannes’ vineyard now span over 15 hectares, with 20% dedicated to white varietals and 80% to reds, including Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Blanc. His greatest contribution has been spearheading the revival of Spitzerberg, an ancient, limestone-rich terroir in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Here, he focuses on Blaufränkisch, crafting wines of extraordinary nuance and hidden power that continue to gain recognition. His first wine from 2004 won Falstaff’s prestigious varietal wine of the year award, launching him to superstardom.
His Blaufränkisch is aged for 12 to 18 months and then rested in the bottle for an additional four to five months, ensuring the wine reaches optimal maturity before release. His Pétillant Naturel 2020, made from Yellow Muskateller, is a lively, naturally sparkling that exemplifies his commitment to creating authentic, energetic wines that speak of their origin.
