Winemakers: Wachstum König

Building upon an endeavor started by his iconic grandfather, Herbert König—with the help and support of his mother Anni (a true force of nature) and a few family friends—farms 2.5 hectares on an insulated hill in the high-altitude Sausal region of Styria, Austria. An orchard farmer, economics councilor, and expert in terroir around the world and the influence of microclimates on soil pH values, Herbert’s grandfather Friedrich "Fritz" König authored two renowned books before implementing his experiences on the steep, schist-dominant hills of the Kittenberg. The family continues to pioneer a very nature-first, “less is more” approach, adhering to rigorous biodynamic practices in the vines and orchards. Herbal and animal preparations are applied in accordance with the seasons and moon phases, and minimal amounts of copper (approx. 2kg/ha/year) and sulfur are used to combat the challenging climatic conditions of the region, which receives an average of 40+ inches of precipitation a year. In order to limit the disruption of macro- and microbiotic activity and the natural equilibrium within their plots, the soils are not worked (just mowed, once a year), in addition to being graced by the presence of six sheep during the winter season. Grape yields are on average 2,000-3,000kg per hectare (20hl/ha) yearly (teeny!), which in effect enhances the complexity of their aromas and allows the influence of the unique terroir to shine through.

In the cellar, all wines—following multiple days of whole-cluster maceration and pressing with a small, horizontal press—are spontaneously fermented and aged on full lees in old oak foudres and barrels (plus a few amphoras from Claus Preisinger) for two to three years. Bottling is done by gravity, and no additives or sulfur are ever used. Natural fruit juices from up to 100-year-old orchards are cold-pressed, and unfiltered, and unmanipulated in any way.

Terroir-driven, intricate, and artisanal in the fullest of senses, the wines and juices embody the vibrant biodiversity so tenderly lived and supported by Herbert, Anni and their family tradition.