Malat, a family-run estate with over 300 years of winemaking history, is located on the right bank of the Danube. Their Silberbichl vineyard, or "Silver Hill," is renowned for its reflective mica schist soils and exposure to sunlight, ideal conditions for producing exceptional Rieslings.
- WINEMAKER: Michael Malat
- FARMING: Sustainable
- VARIETY: 100% Riesling
- TERROIR: The Silberbichl vineyard is situated on gentle terraces along the Danube’s right bank, fully exposed to the summer sun from morning until night. The decomposed mica schist soils are rich in mica flecks, loess, and river alluvium. Vines in this vineyard average over 30 years (as of 2019), enhancing depth and concentration in the wine.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-picked and meticulously selected to exclude botrytis. Gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in stainless steel vats preserves purity. The first sulfite addition is done after pressing. Post-fermentation, the wine is racked into large old wooden barrels to enhance texture without adding strong oak flavors.
- AGING: Aged 6-8 months in 2000-liter neutral oak barrels on fine lees, contributing to depth and mouthfeel. The wine is filtered but unfined.
- TASTING NOTES: This dry, full-bodied Riesling is balanced and aromatic, with bright flavors of pineapple gummy candy, lime blossom, dried apricot, and crushed stone. Subtle earthy and woodsy nuances add to the complexity, making it a versatile pairing with a variety of cuisines.
- ABOUT THE CLASSIFICATION: ÖTW ERSTE LAGE 1ÖTW (Premier Cru). This classification designates vineyards known for producing wines of exceptional character and depth, consistently enabling the vinification of high-quality wines that express their unique terroir year after year