Founded in Oberloiben in 1898, the Pichler estate has developed a reputation as a Grüner Veltliner specialist since Franz Pichler Sr began selecting his own clones in 1928. His grandson son Lucas joined the winery team in 1996, taking over winemaking at the estate in 1999 and assuming management of the whole estate in 2009. Lucas manages the winery together with his wife Johanna, representing the 5th generation to farm these lands. The Ried Klostersatz is one of the oldest vineyards in the Wachau to be cultivated by the monks of Bavarian and Salzburg monasteries. It is situated in the Loibner basin, within the curve of the Danube river between Dürnstein and Oberloiben. The fine sandy topsoil is overlying gravels that have washed down from the Alps. Bone dry and tight with apple skin, lees, and stones, the brisk acidity of this organic GV is countered with subtle meadow grasses, all held by ample tension throughout the lengthy finish. Uncompromising and pure rock juice.
Franz Xaver (FX) took over at the estate in 1971 and his meticulous approach earned him plaudits on both the domestic and international stage. Franz Xaver’s son Lucas joined the winery team in 1996, taking over winemaking at the estate in 1999 and assuming management of the whole estate in 2009. Lucas manages the winery together with his wife Johanna, representing the 5th generation to farm these lands. Today, FX Pichler owns 20 hectares of vineyards, almost half of which are planted on steep terraces and worked entirely by hand. The aim is always to create wines that are a true reflection of the year, the soil and the special microclimate of the Wachau. The fine nuances of each respective site should be perceptible and tangible in their multi-layered uniqueness. The winery left the Vinea Wachau as of the 2020 vintage, thus dropping the use of the Federspiel and Smaragd term. Though they have always been farming organically, they started the process to certification in 2021.
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