Loimer Extra Brut Sparkling Wine, Niederösterreich, Austria

Fred Loimer follows the Bioydnamic calendar and adheres to the world’s highest organic growing standards in his vineyards and social standards in his winery. The fruit for his sparkling wines is grown according to these standards in the villages of Langenlois and Gumpoldskirchen. Fred’s sekt is made in the traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in bottle. All fruit is hand harvested, and whole cluster pressed, with only the use of the free-run juice, or “cuvé” (2.000 liter from 4.000 kg grapes). Spontaneous fermentation is carried out partly in wood, and malolactic conversion is allowed to reach completion. A bright, pure nose of ripe golden apple and grapefruit. On the palate complex layers of brioche frame a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. A dense and persistent finish underscores the quality of the wine and hint at its ability to improve with time in bottle. 2007 Chardonnay used as liqueur d’expedition. Varietal Composition: 42% Grüner Veltliner, 33% Zweigelt, 25% Pinot Noir. Length of aging before bottling: 10 months. Length of bottle aging: 12 months.