Not only the Bründlmayer familiy is enthusiastic about their first ice wine in 30 years. The first expert ratings confirm their highest hopes. Harvested late November, a barrel sample of the Gelber Muskateller Eiswein 2005 already impressed the jurors of the Kamptal Wein Trophy. Shortly after bottling, the renowned wine journalist Peter Moser (Falstaff Magazine) awared this “exceptional wine” 97/100 points and called it a “worthy successor to the 2002 Muskatller TBA”, positioning it on the top of Austria´s finest sweet wines in 2006. Now the experts of the gourmet guide A LA CARTE awarded the wine a staggering 100/100 points.

A great finish to a golden autumn: In late 2005, everything was in place in Langenlois after the weather hotline of Austria’s meteorological services forecast temperatures far below 0°C for the end of November. Then, on Friday 24 November at three o’clock in the morning the thermometer showed - 9,5°C. “We mobilized all local vineyard workers before daybreak to come out in the freezing cold,” recalls Willi Bründlmayer. “We were warmed by the certainty that we could harvest an ice wine for the first time in 30 years. The Muskateller grapes had remained in the vineyards protected by bird netting and were wonderfully healthy. This level of quality, however, came as a real surprise.”

“Essential” pleasure: According to Austrian wine law, ice wine must be made out of grapes which were frozen during the harvest and pressing and show a minimum must weight (sugar content) of 25°. The time of harvest is strictly controlled by the authorities. Only the water freezes inside the grapes, leaving the sugary extract to flow from the presses like fine oil. The frozen water remains in the press. At 33° KMW (Klosterneuburger Mostwaage) the wine essence dripping from the press promised great qualities. It was vinified 100% in steel to preserve the crystalline and highly aromatic delicacy of the Gelber Muskateller. The wonderful acidity of this grape lends elegance, balance, and tension even to wines with very high degrees of residual sugar. "This will be an essential experience for all wine lovers,” remarks Willi Bründlmayer. The wine is available immediately in limited edition from the winery or from good wine dealers.