Markus Altenburger, Chardonnay vom Kalk 2018

The grapes have been handpicked at the beginning of September. After destemming and maceration on the skins for 18 hours, the grapes were pressed, and the juice fermented with the natural yeast partly in stainless steel tanks, concrete eggs and in used French oak barrels. It was aged for 6 months on the lees.

Markus Altenburger�s 10 hectares of vines are planted on the slopes of the Leithaberg in Burgenland. The regional limestone �Leithakalk� soil produces high acid, mineral wines. The lack of nutrients in the soil force the vines to bury deeper into the ground, developing complex root systems and giving the wines of the Leithaberg their signature minerality. In 2006 Markus took over the family winery in Jois, and to this day solely focuses on the varieties that best express this unique terroir, and produce authentic, honest wines. His winemaking methods are very natural - no artificial yeasts or enzymes are used, and the low yields and natural treatment of the vines and soil guarantee structured, long living wines. Over half of Markus� vineyards are planted to Burgenland�s best known variety - Blaufr�nkisch. Old vine Chardonnay is another hugely important variety here, which Markus vinifies and releases as a single vineyard wine.