Pollerhof Organic Winery

The Poller family has farmed the Pollerhof in Röschitz, in the western Weinviertel south of Retz, since the 1920s. Erwin Poller took over his parents' estate two decades ago and expanded the vineyards to 20 hectares. The farmhouse has been lovingly restored, the cellar fitted with modern equipment, and the estate is now certified organic.

At its heart is the wish to bring as much of nature into the glass as possible: unadulterated, high-quality and full of flavour. Erwin is always trying something new, even if it isn't always understood. One of these projects: chickens live between the vine rows, pecking at worms and seedlings, loosening and fertilising the soil, and laying fresh eggs along the way.

Grüner Veltliner is the backbone of the range, in all its forms, as Weinviertel DAC. Roter Veltliner, a variety with Roman roots, thrives on the deep loess soils of the Goassbugl and makes wines with cult status. "frau mayer" is named after a winemaker from the 1930s whose vineyard, now over 80 years old, delivers especially aromatic grapes. The loess of the Marktweg gives the Gelber Muskateller notes of citrus and blood orange, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zweigelt ripen on the Galgenberg for the "Churchill" cuvée.

In the cellar, among stainless-steel tanks, acacia and oak barrels, the wines are made by feel and intuition, with the aim of surprising whoever drinks them.