Stockkultur in the Steinberg vineyard
In addition to the special cultivation method in the vineyard and the elaborate care and harvesting the Neustifter Stockkultur surprises with another special feature: an extremely high ageing potential.
Here Neustifters impressively demonstrate what Veltliner cultivation at the highest level means.
In contrast to the standard cultivation system in Austria the Poysdorf winegrowing family deliberately relies on Stockkultur as a form of single vine training in the Steinberg vineyard. The vines root deeper in the ground and entwine themselves around a "stick" or "stake" towards the sky. With this elaborate vinophile project, which was started in 2007 by Karl Neustifter, the organic winegrower demonstrates the potential of the Grüner Veltliner variety and the Weinviertel region.
Neustifter Grüner Veltliner Stockkultur
The motto is: exceptional conditions for an exceptional wine.
A very special wine, the Neustifter Stockkultur, has been produced 100% by hand in the Steinberg vineyard since 2007. This powerful varietal representative impresses with its Burgundy style and a ageing potential of up to 25 years. During fermentation in wooden barrels, malolactic fermentation and 12 months on the lees the Grüner Veltliner Stockkultur is matured in oak barrels at the Neustifter familys‘ winery in Poysdorf. Each vintage is filled into specially produced bottles. The trademark is the cellar cat - designed by a different artist every year. The Veltliner Stockkultur goes very well with spicy soups, strong fish creations, such as baked carp or lobster à l'américaine. It is an exciting white wine recommendation with game, such as roast venison or venison cutlets.
TIP: Served not too cold and in big glasses it shows its greatness and opens up perfectly.
The history of Stockkultur
Until the 1950s most vineyards in Austria were planted as "Stockkultur". Today such a vineyard is a rarity. In 2007 Karl Neustifter decided to plant his Stockkultur vineyard in the 'Steinberg' vineyard in Poysdorf, Weinviertel. 4,500 vines were planted on half a hectare. The first vintage of "Neustifter Grüner Veltliner Stockkultur" was harvested in 2010.
The special features of Stockkultur
With Stockkultur the vines are planted 80 cm apart. Wooden sticks are used to support the vines, a wire frame is not required. The vines are cut back to a few centimetres in winter and then the vine grow up. This original form of cultivation requires four times as much work as standard cultivation. The advantages of Stockkultur speak for themselves:
- The grapes ripen perfect as they are close to the ground.
- Fully ripe aroma forms the basis for this impressive wine.
- The vines shade each other due to the high foliage wall.
- Grape growth is regulated by the vine itself.
- A deeper root system guarantees a better water supply for the vines.
- The grapes absorb the minerality of the soil.
