Schloss Gobelsburg

Schloss Gobelsburg (83ha)
Gobelsburg / Kamptal / Niederösterreich / Austria

Schloss Gobelsburg is the oldest wine estate in the Danube appellation of Kamptal, with a documented history of viticulture that began in the 12th century. In 2021, the distinguished estate commemorated its 850th year of winemaking tradition.

Cistercian monks, who spread throughout Europe from Burgundy in the 12th century, were donated their first vineyards in 1171, and have had a lasting impact on viticulture in Austria over the past 850 years. Since 1996, Schloss Gobelsburg has been under the management of Eva & Michael Moosbrugger. Under his leadership, the winery has won numerous awards, including ‘Falstaff Winery of the Year’, ‘Golden Glass’ in Sweden and 8 times ‘Top 100 Winery of the Year’ from Wine & Spirits Magazine in the USA.

For centuries, monks have been responsible for the planting and cultivation of vineyards in the most suitable locations throughout Austria. Today, Schloss Gobelsburg’s primary focus is on the Danube appellations’ regionally typical wines of protected origin, categorised into three distinct types: Gebietswein (regional wine), Ortswein (village wine), and Riedenwein (from individual vineyards). The estate’s vineyards include parcels in world-famous sites such as Ried HEILIGENSTEIN or Ried LAMM.

For the last 850 years, the monks have not pursued sustainable viticulture as a passing trend, but as a matter close to their hearts. The vineyards are meticulously managed, with a focus on pruning and foliage canopy management, ensuring optimal growth and productivity. During the autumn months, when the leaves are changing colour, the clusters are harvested by hand and transported to the cellar in small boxes. In the cellar, the grapes are meticulously inspected and, if necessary, sorted again before being gently pressed.

The Cistercian Order is known for its commitment to simplicity and austerity, principles that are also central to the art of winemaking. Centuries of experience demonstrate that sophisticated technology is not a prerequisite for producing excellent wines. In today’s fast-paced world, time is a rare commodity. However, Schloss Gobelsburg’s wines are fortunate enough to be able to mature in peace and quiet in the cool cellars.

In addition to the regionally typical wines of the Kamptal, other diverse vinous specialities are produced in the cellars of Schloss Gobelsburg.

Langenlois has become the epicentre of top-quality Austrian sparkling wine production over the past few decades. As a result, Gobelsburg is now regarded as a leading producer of Austrian sparkling wine. In addition to their classic Brut Reserve, the winery also produces a Blancs de Blancs, a Brut Rose and a Vintage SektT. All of these are produced by hand at the estate.

The region is renowned for its cool climate red wines, which are focused on the Pinot family (Pinot Noir, Saint Laurent and Zweigelt). These wines are cultivated in the ancient gravel banks of the Danube.

The noble-sweet wines from Gobelsburg represent a small but significant addition to the assortment. Eiswein can also be produced due to the continental climate in 8 out of 10 vintages.

The estate is also known for its commitment to historical vinification techniques, as exemplified by its TRADITION wines.

Schloss Gobelsburg is a member of the winegrowers’ association Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW), which established the vineyard classification in Austria.

• Vineyard Area: 83 hectares
• Top Sites:
  • Zöbinger Heiligenstein: 250 million year old Permian desert sandstone with feldspar (volcanic) and siltstone
  • Zöbinger Gaisberg: The eastern most end of the Gföhler Gneiss plate that runs under the Kamptal, soils are made up of slatey para-gneiss, mica-schist, and amphibolite (metamorphic rocks formed from intense heat and pressure)
  • Kammerner Lamm: Calcareous and loamy with underlying loess, the sites higher on the hill have most sandstone and silt from Heiligenstein erosion.
  • Kammerner Renner: Deep loess soils with eroded gneiss, mica and amphibolite from the Gaisberg vineyard above
• Soil Types: Volcanic sandstone, mica slate, and alpine gravel
• Grape Varieties: 55% Grüner Veltliner, 25% Riesling, 8% Pinot Noir, 7% Zweigelt, 4% St. Laurent, 1% Merlot