Exploring the Salzl Winery: A Memorable Visit and New Partnerships
Our journey to the renowned Salzl Winery in Illmitz, Neusiedler See was more than just a business trip. It was an experience that deepened our appreciation for wine-making. As we prepare to introduce the Salzl wines to our customers, we wanted to go beyond simply tasting the wines. We are keen on immersing ourselves in the wine-making process, meet the people behind the label, and witness firsthand the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle.
At the Salzl family estate we were greeted by Micha Scheible, our guide for the day, whose knowledge and enthusiasm set the tone for our visit. We were also fortunate to meet Christoph Salzl, the winemaker himself, who shared insights into the philosophy that guides their winemaking.
Salzl wines are renowned for their balance, elegance, and expression of the region’s unique terroir. Christoph’s approach is rooted in tradition, but with a modern touch, ensuring that each wine showcases the best of both the vineyard and the cellar.
We sampled a wide range of their wines, from crisp whites to bold reds, and the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The tasting began with some of their signature white wines, which displayed the vibrant acidity and minerality typical of the region. The purity of the fruit was evident in each sip, with layers of complexity that reveal themselves gradually.
One wine that stood out was the New Style Chardonnay. The story of New Style began over 30 years ago. In 1993, Josef Salzl first dared to try what was still rather unusual at the time: to mature his Chardonnay in barriques. It was a completely new, international style. The English name was therefore almost a logical consequence. Less quantity but higher quality is harvested from older vineyards – the best basis for this round and strong Chardonnay, which impresses with its melting quality, yellow ripe fruit, and a hint of roasted vanilla notes.
Moving on to the reds, we were treated to some of the winery’s flagship bottles. These wines are a true reflection of the Neusiedler See terroir, with ripe fruit flavours, refined tannins, and a beautiful balance. Whether it was a robust Blaufränkisch or a velvety Merlot, each wine had its own distinct character while maintaining the signature Salzl style.
One particularly memorable red was the Josanna. Composed of the names of their children Anna and Josef, JOSANNA is much more than just a wine. Elegant and velvety, fruity and powerful. Dark berry, chocolatey, with fine roasted notes and plenty of melting quality.
What stood out most during the tasting was the consistency in quality across the entire range. It’s clear that the Salzl family holds themselves to the highest standards, ensuring that each bottle delivers an exceptional drinking experience.
After our tasting, Micha led us on a tour of the winery, where the magic truly happens. The state-of-the-art equipment is carefully chosen to complement time-honored techniques, resulting in wines that are both rooted in heritage and forward-thinking in style.
One of the most exciting parts of our visit was learning about the preparations underway for the upcoming harvest. This year’s harvest is expected to take place earlier than usual due to favorable weather conditions, and the entire winery is buzzing with anticipation. Micha and Christoph gave us a glimpse into what lies ahead, from carefully monitoring the grapes’ ripeness to ensuring that all the equipment is ready for the busiest time of the year.
We are excited to have Salzl wines are available in our store. Keep an eye out for Salzl wines, and get ready to enjoy a true taste of Austrian wine-making at its best!
