Weingut Holzapfel

Company information

Weingut Holzapfel is at home in the Lesehof, an architectural jewel erected 700 years ago by the canons of St. Pölten and later given its Baroque character by the renowned Jakob Prandtauer. Back in the time when most of the vineyards in the Wachau region belonged to the church and were owned by the surrounding monasteries, the Lesehof was the center for grape pressing and for the administration of wine selling in the area.

Today, the Holzapfel winery maintains nearly 14 hectares of vineyards, which are cared for solely by traditional methods. The vineyards are situated in several outstanding sites, including Achleiten, Vorderseiber, Weitenberg, Klaus and Kollmitz.

In stony, mineral-rich soils – and limestone and slate as well - premium quality grapes are thriving. But the special sites and the nurturing of low yields are not the only reasons for the uniqueness of these grapes. The differing heights of the vineyards and the temperature variations due to the special climatic conditions hone an acidity that delivers freshness and elegance to the grapes.

Karl Holzapfel strives to create clear, vibrant wines with fine fruit and distinctive character – ideal for enjoying every day – as well as dry, compact Smaragd wines with complex aromas and flavours and a wonderful ageing potential.

After their fermentation, the wines remain in contact with the fine lees. Ultimately, they evolve into truly distinctive wines that convey style, clarity, delicate fruit and an optimal balance of minerality and freshness. Through the individual vinification methods, the wines develop with a special character and identity – and of course, they fit to a wide range of drinking occasions.

The assortment comprises the quality categories of Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd made with the grape varieties Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Weißburgunder. The Hippolyt selection is particularly impressive with its special creaminess, elegance and finesse - mirroring the magic of the Wachau.