The history of this estate goes back to the 16th century but it’s only since Willi and his wife Edwige have been running it that it’s leapt right to the forefront of Austrian producers. There are now 75 hectares, many on terraces above Langenlois, of which 70% is planted with white varieties (mainly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling) and 30% with red (St Laurent, Pinot Noir, Zweigelt). The Zöbinger Heiligenstein is their most important vineyard, composed of 250 million year old sandstone, producing wines of great balance and complexity. The ecology is very important to Willi, no herbicides are used and only organic fertilisers and care is taken to prevent erosion in the vineyards. Lyre training is used on many vines to increase the surface exposed to the sun and help reduce mildew. Grapes are hand harvested, very gently pressed and fermented cool in stainless steel or wood.