Were one to seek an absolutely typical (in the most positive sense of the word) representative of the Weinviertel, one would certainly find this in Weingut Dürnberg. But this producer is still so much more. The wines from Dürnberg embody all the virtues that demanding international wine consumers expect from Austrian wine: crystal clear fruit, crisp elegance, charming varietal character and, above all else, light-footed mineral expression. This is achieved because Christoph Körner conscientiously abstains from cloying voluptuousness and focuses instead on elegance and freshness. Respectful cultivation and gentle guidance in the cellar result in wines with authentic character.” -Falstaff Guide 2017
Weingut Dürnberg is one of the wine estates that have been pioneering the development of a “new Weinviertel style”. Christoph Körner is a Weinviertel native with heart and soul who proves with every new vintage that the Wienviertel, Austria´s most undiscovered winegrowing area, has incredible potential. The wines exude freshness and balance, and while they are as crystal clear as a Winter night, they display complexity and finesse as well, comprising all of the virtues that are expected from Austrian wine. Dürnberg‘s goal is to have long-lasting vinyards. They do not seek high yields but consistently high quality, healthy grapes that reach full phenolic ripeness. To that end, they do not use nitrate fertilizers but rather work with carefully chosen plantings of legumes and grasses in the vinyards. This keeps their soils healthy and rigorous. This green management helps them to build up the humus content and eliminate the need for irrigation, thus successfully also reducing botrytis as well. Two years ago they succeeded in convincing all their vintner collegues in the valley to abstain from insecticides. Sustainibility is very important for Dürnberg and their strategy. They focus on getting the highest quality out of old and healthy vinyards. So they keep their vineyards green for at least 10 months of the year without erosion and compaction. In summer, they cut the roots of the weeds in between the rows with a special machinery and turnover the soil in every other row of the vinyard. Later in August they plant legumes again. Dürnberg is certified by Sustainable Austria, who has certified only 23 wineries so far, of which Dürnberg is the only one from Weinviertel.
