2022 Familie Bauer Osterreich Urig Roter Veltliner

The 2022 Familie Bauer Österreich Urig Roter Veltliner is a captivating orange wine from the Wagram region, crafted by Josef and Eva Maria Bauer in Grossriedenthal. Made from the rare Roter Veltliner grape, this natural wine reflects the region’s loess and gravel soils, shaped by the Danube’s influence. Fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in 600L barrels and aged on lees for 15 months, it is bottled unfiltered to preserve its vibrant character. Its cloudy amber hue and complex, textured profile make it a standout for natural wine enthusiasts. This organic and biodynamic wine offers a bold yet balanced expression of Wagram’s terroir, with stone fruit and herbal notes. Ideal for adventurous palates, it shines when paired with savory dishes or sipped thoughtfully. Familie Bauer’s commitment to sustainable viticulture ensures a pure, authentic wine experience.

Nose: The bouquet reveals enticing aromas of ripe apricot, candied orange peel, and blossoming pear. Subtle floral hints of rose mingle with delicate minty notes, evoking the grape’s unique character. A touch of blossom honey adds depth, reflecting the wine’s natural fermentation.

Palate: On the palate, this medium-bodied wine delivers a rich, textured mouthfeel with flavors of yellow plum and green apple. A peppery, herbal edge complements the fruit, balanced by crisp acidity and fine, grippy tannins. The wine’s minerality, reminiscent of wet stone, enhances its complex, savory profile. Its unfiltered nature lends a slight cloudiness and vibrant energy.

Finish: The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering notes of grapefruit and kumquat. A saline, mineral-driven edge provides a refreshing close, underpinned by subtle lychee undertones. The wine’s dry, structured finish invites contemplation or pairing with bold flavors.

The 2022 Familie Bauer Urig Roter Veltliner pairs beautifully with fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey, where its stone fruit and herbal notes enhance the cheese’s creamy tanginess. For a heartier option, try it with roasted pork belly with fennel, as the wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the dish’s richness while complementing its savory flavors. It also shines alongside a vegetable tagine with preserved lemon, where the wine’s citrusy finish and minerality mirror the dish’s bright, aromatic profile. For seafood, pair with grilled octopus with a herb vinaigrette, allowing the wine’s peppery and floral notes to elevate the dish’s Mediterranean character.