Many Austrian wineries are family-owned, and a change of generations often serves as a catalyst for reinvention. This transformation is underway at Netzl winery, where Christina Netzl is introducing a new lineup of wines alongside the traditional offerings from her father, Franz. The collaboration showcases both innovation and a respect for established practices.
The Netzl vineyard, located near Göttlesbrunn, spans 30 hectares and employs organic farming methods, with a focus on a red-to-white grape ratio of 60:40. The winery benefits from hillside vineyards that are bordered by trees, promoting a cooler microclimate ideal for grape growing. The soil composition is primarily gravelly, which is conducive for high-quality wine production.
During a tasting session with Christina at Vievinum in Vienna, several wines from both ranges were sampled:
- Netzl Chardonnay 2025: A bright regional wine aged for five months in stainless steel on full lees, noted for its lively lemony character and good acidity. Rating: 89/100.
- Netzel Göttlesbrunn 2024: A blend of Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner, with the Chardonnay aged in amphora. Its texture is lovely, showcasing pure citrus and pear flavors. Rating: 92/100.
- Netzl Ried Altenberg Weissburgunder 2024: A complex wine with layers of fresh fruit and a slightly saline finish, made from a combination of tonneaux and amphorae. Rating: 94/100.
- Netzl Ried Altenberg Chardonnay 2024: This wine balances oak aging with amphora fermentation, resulting in a pure and expressive flavor profile. Rating: 93/100.
- Netzl Rosanna Rosé 2025: A Zweigelt rosé, half produced through direct pressing and half by saignée, characterized as fresh and bright. Rating: 88/100.
Christina’s creations also include:
- Christina Grüner Veltliner 2024: A minimally processed wine showcasing supple pear and peach notes with a hint of white pepper. Rating: 92/100.
- Christina Rosé 2025: A juicy Zweigelt, expressive with cherry and pear flavors. Rating: 91/100.
- Christina Orange 2025: A blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Welschriesling fermented on skins. It balances fruity and structural elements well. Rating: 93/100.
- Christina Gelber Muskateller 2025: Floral and grapey, skin fermented for five weeks; this wine has a good structure with a grippy finish. Rating: 92/100.
- Christina Kuhlbar 2025: A fresh and juicy Zweigelt with cherry and plum fruit and good acidity. Rating: 93/100.
- Christina St Laurent 2021: Made with whole bunches and semi-carbonic fermentation, this wine is evolving nicely while maintaining its freshness. Rating: 92/100.
- Christina Zweigelt 2023: A short maceration flower, juicy and tart with a lively profile. Rating: 91/100.
Notable red wines from the Netzl collection include:
- Netzl Rubin Carnuntum 2023: Fresh and stylish, representing the regional style of Zweigelt. Rating: 93/100.
- Netzl Prellenkirchen Blaufränkisch 2022: Dense and chalky with minerality, offering structure and depth. Rating: 94/100.
- Netzl Göttlesbrunn Edes Tal 2022: A blend with a classic style featuring vivid fruit with a chalky edge. Rating: 93/100.
- Netzl St Laurent 2023: Rounded with a sweet core, presenting good balance and texture. Rating: 93/100.
- Netzl Zweigelt Ried Haidacker 1er 2022: Fine, fresh, and expressive with a floral note. Rating: 93/100.
- Netzl Zweigelt Ried Haidacker 1er 2020: Juicy and bright, finishing with a sour cherry note. Rating: 94/100.
- Netzl Ried Bärnreiser 1er Anna-Christina 2022: Elegant and concentrated, offering energy and a touch of oak. Rating: 93/100.
For more information about the wines and the winery, visit Netzl.