Since 1889, the Ott family has been cultivating and making wine in the Lower Austrian Wagram region. The winery has been run by Bernhard Ott, a fourth-generation manager, since 1993, when he succeeded his father. He was interested in making the best wines when he returned home to the winery at the age of 21. Bernhard intended to demonstrate that Grüner Veltliner cultivated on loess soil, notably from the Rosenberg vineyard, could yield exquisite and long-lasting wines. Bernhard started cultivating the vines with an eye towards the greatest quality, replacing the outdated wooden casks with stainless steel.
Weingut Ott
Neufang 36, 3483, Austria
+43 2738 2257
Bernhard started working with Stockinger fuders of various sizes in 2018, over 30 years after assuming control and moving all vinification and élevage to steel.
Bernhard started composting in 2004 with organic cow manure from a local acquaintance. He had used so much manure over the last four years that the EU contacted him, stating that they believed there was an accounting error and that using 100,000 euros’ worth of manure was not feasible. He and his best friend Hans Reisetbauer visited the renowned biodynamic property Domaine La Romanée Conti in Vosne 2006.
There, Bernhard decided to switch to biodynamic viticulture during a protracted tasting in the cellars with Aubert de Villaine. Respekt was founded in 2007 by Fred Loimer, Johannes Hirsch, and several other producers who shared their vision. After a particularly challenging harvest in 2014, during which Bernhard did not bottle any wines from a single vineyard, he decided to work the entire cluster, stating that “the stem is part of the grape.” Working without stems results in more spherical, sweeter fruit.
Today, Bernhard draws inspiration and guidance from earlier generations for his work in the cellar and vineyard. Because of composting and biodynamic farming, the sugar ripeness remains somewhat modest even if the grapes are harvested at full maturity.
100% of the harvest is done by hand, which is crucial in an area where mechanised harvesting is possible because of the flat terrain and rolling hills. Following rigorous selection and harvesting, the fruit is crushed in a press and macerated there. In addition to the vintage, the vineyard and fruit quality also affect how long the maceration lasts. Bernhard has a variety of sizes and uses closed pneumatic presses. According to Bernhard, “the press used to work like this—there was only one pressing per day, so there was a maceration in the press.” After being “browned,” the juice is racked into a Stockinger fuder or stainless steel container, fermented by natural yeasts without temperature control.
Malolactic growth is prevented because the cellar is extremely cold, and very little sulphur is used during harvest and bottling. Before racking and bottling, the single-vineyard wines from the three Erste Lagen Rosenberg, Spiegel, and Stein are on the full less until June or July. The resulting wines, which balance a luscious flavour with robust soil traits, are among the best in Austria.
The wines
2019 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2019 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner by Weingut Ott showcases remarkable precision and elegance. In the glass, it presents a pale gold colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe stone fruit, fresh pear, and citrus mingle with hints of white pepper and crushed stones, showing a distinct minerality. The palate is vibrant yet layered, with a fine balance between lush fruit flavours and racy acidity. There’s a subtle salinity and herbal undertone that add complexity, leading to a long, clean finish with a touch of spice. This Grüner Veltliner is refined, refreshing, and beautifully structured. 93 corked Points
2019 Ried Spiegel Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2019 Ried Spiegel Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner by Weingut Ott is a beautifully expressive and layered wine. In the glass, it shows a pale straw colour with a greenish hue. The nose opens with aromas of ripe apple, yellow plum, and citrus zest, underscored by subtle white pepper and herbal notes. On the palate, it offers a silky texture balanced by vibrant acidity, with flavours of juicy stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long, with delicate spiciness and earthy undertones. This Grüner Veltliner is elegant, complex, and remarkably well-balanced. 94 corked Points
2019 Ried Rosenberg Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2019 Ried Rosenberg Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner is a sophisticated and richly textured expression of the varietal. In the glass, it displays a pale golden hue. Aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and quince are layered with subtle hints of white pepper, fresh herbs, and a stony minerality. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, with a creamy texture balanced by lively acidity. Flavours of juicy orchard fruits and a touch of citrus zest lead to a lingering finish, accented by a gentle spiciness and mineral depth. This Grüner Veltliner is complex, elegant, and beautifully structured. 93 corked Points
2021 Ried Spiegel Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2021 Ried Spiegel Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Ott is vibrant and elegantly nuanced. It pours a light straw colour with a slight green tint. The nose is fresh and inviting, revealing aromas of green apple, lime zest, and white peach, with a touch of white pepper and wet stone minerality. On the palate, it’s crisp and precise, with a refreshing acidity that enhances flavours of citrus, pear, and a hint of herbaceousness. The finish is long and clean, showing subtle spice and mineral complexity. This Grüner Veltliner is bright, pure, and beautifully balanced. 91 corked Points
2021 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2021 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Ott is a pure and mineral-driven expression. In the glass, it shows a pale golden colour. The nose is aromatic and precise, offering notes of ripe pear, green apple, citrus zest, and a flinty minerality, with hints of white pepper. On the palate, it is vibrant and focused, with a harmonious balance between juicy orchard fruits and refreshing acidity. A touch of salinity and herbaceous undertones add depth, leading to a clean, long finish with a whisper of spice. This Grüner Veltliner is elegant, refined, and full of energy. 91 corked Points
2021 Ried Rosenberg Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2021 Ried Rosenberg Feuersbrunn Grüner Veltliner is a rich and expressive wine with remarkable depth. It displays a pale golden hue in the glass. The nose reveals layered aromas of ripe yellow apple, quince, and white peach, alongside hints of white pepper and crushed stones. On the palate, it is full-bodied and textured, with a beautifully balanced acidity that lifts flavours of orchard fruit, citrus zest, and a touch of herbaceousness. The finish is long and elegant, with a gentle spiciness and a lingering mineral character. This Grüner Veltliner is complex, polished, and impeccably structured. 93 corked Points
2021 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner
The 2021 Ried Stein Engabrunn Grüner Veltliner is a refined and mineral-infused wine. In the glass, it presents a pale straw colour. The nose is bright and focused, offering aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and fresh pear, with hints of white pepper and wet stone. On the palate, it is vibrant and structured, showcasing a lively acidity that enhances flavours of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle herbal notes. A fine, saline minerality runs through to a long, elegant finish with a touch of spice. This Grüner Veltliner is fresh, precise, and beautifully balanced. 92 corked Points
2022 Rheinriesling
The 2022 Rheinriesling from Weingut Ott is bright, aromatic, and finely balanced. It pours a pale lemon colour. On the nose, it opens with lively aromas of lime zest, green apple, and white peach, complemented by delicate floral and mineral notes. The palate is crisp and focused, with a vibrant acidity that brings out flavours of citrus, juicy stone fruit, and a hint of wet slate. The finish is refreshing and clean, with a touch of herbal nuance. This Riesling is fresh, elegant, and full of energy. 90 corked Points
2023 Spectrum Cuvee
The 2023 Spectrum Cuvée from Weingut Ott is a lively and aromatic blend with a charming character. In the glass, it shows a pale straw colour with a greenish hue. The nose is inviting, with fresh aromas of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, accompanied by subtle herbal and mineral hints. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, offering flavours of lime zest, pear, and a touch of tropical fruit. Balanced acidity gives it a zippy energy, leading to a clean, lingering finish with a delicate minerality. This cuvée is bright, approachable, and wonderfully vibrant. 90 corked Points
2023 Der Ott Grüner Veltliner
The 2023 Der Ott Grüner Veltliner is a vibrant and expressive wine with remarkable depth. In the glass, it shows a pale lemon colour. The nose is aromatic, revealing notes of green apple, white peach, and lemon zest, complemented by hints of white pepper and wet stone. On the palate, it’s lively and well-structured, with a refreshing acidity that highlights flavours of citrus, crisp orchard fruits, and a subtle herbal undertone. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a gentle spiciness typical of Grüner Veltliner. This wine is elegant, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. 92 corked Points
2023 Ried GMIRK Goesing Grüner Veltliner
The 2023 Ried GMIRK Goesing Grüner Veltliner is a captivating and expressive wine that showcases the essence of the varietal. In the glass, it presents a pale straw colour with greenish highlights. The nose is vibrant, featuring aromas of ripe green apple, citrus zest, and white flowers, alongside subtle notes of white pepper and fresh herbs. On the palate, it offers a bright acidity that enhances the juicy fruit flavours, creating a refreshing and lively mouthfeel. A mineral backbone adds complexity, leading to a clean, zesty finish with a hint of spice. This Grüner Veltliner is elegant, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. 94 corked Points
