Hidden in plain sight in Innsbruck, Weinhaus Tyrol is thought to locals however nonetheless flying underneath the radar of most vacationers. It’s the type of place you dream of stumbling upon, and presents an intimate personal eating and wine tasting expertise.
Inside, there’s an in depth show of wines, a bar and occasional barrels used as make-shift tables to get pleasure from a drink or two.
On the finish of this hall and down just a few steps, is a small transformed cellar. With its arched ceiling, stone partitions half-clad in plaster and dimly-lit atmosphere, it exudes a country appeal and enjoys numerous quaint particulars.
Now I don’t profess to be a wine connoisseur, however I do get pleasure from a glass or two, and right here we have been in for a deal with – this wasn’t only a dinner and some glasses of wine, however an invite to decelerate, savour and be immersed into the culinary soul of Tyrol.
A member of employees introduces our first wine to us – it’s the Schmidl Grüner Veltliner Steinfeder Ried Alte Level. The Schmidl vineyard is a standard family-run property within the Wachau, identified for its respectful strategy to nature and its pursuit of the very best high quality. The household cultivates their vineyards in a pure approach and depends on sustainable farming strategies to mirror the distinctive terroir of the Wachau. It’s mild and contemporary with notes of inexperienced apple, citrus fruits, and a touch of white pepper.
A beneficiant unfold of native cheeses, a choice of completely cured meats and a basket of bread are introduced via for us to get pleasure from our wines with, organized with a country magnificence that spoke of custom somewhat than showmanship, however was nonetheless scrumptious.
Subsequent up is the Müller Thurgau (a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale) from Weinhof Tangl, one in every of solely 13 official wineries in Tyrol. It’s fruity and fragrant with aromas of nutmeg, pear and contemporary herbs. The local weather in Tyrol differs considerably from that of its southern neighbour. Regardless of having the identical quantity of sunshine hours as many cities in South Tyrol, the area experiences extra frost nights, which vastly affect grape ripening and wine construction. Weinhof Tangl has been passionately run by the household for generations and their focus is on a harmonious mix of custom and innovation.
Our third white wine of the night is one other from the Schmidl vineyard – a Schmidl Riesling Smaragd Küss den Pfennig. Highly effective and complicated, it has aromas of ripe peach, apricot and a high quality minerality. The Schmidl vineyard is famend for its wonderful Rieslings, which mirror the distinctive terroir of the Wachau. The identify “Küss den Pfennig” (“Kiss the Penny”) refers to a centuries-old custom and the good worth the household locations on each element of wine manufacturing.
At this level, the cheese platter – adorned with grapes, figs and wlanuts – presents a welcome stability, serving to to enrich the wine and take in a few of the alcohol. Tyrol is famend for its distinctive dairy merchandise, notably cheeses like Tiroler Bergkäse. The superior high quality is essentially as a result of cows grazing on the pristine mountain pastures, which improve the flavour of the milk.
Our subsequent wine hails from the one vineyard situated in a European capital metropolis — the Edelmose vineyard in Vienna which has a historical past of over 600 years. Because the Center Ages, winemaking has been pursued there with nice dedication, with historic vineyards located on the foothills of the Vienna Woods. The distinctive location within the coronary heart of a vibrant metropolis creates an unmistakable terroir and makes Edelmose a real establishment in Viennese winemaking. The Edelmoser Rosé de Vienne is produced from Zweigelt and Pinot Noir grapes – it’s contemporary and fruity with aromas of purple berries, cherry and a touch of floral notes.
After which it’s on to our first purple of the night with the Ernst Zweigelt Deutschkreuz (Zweigelt is an Austrian cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, identified for its fruit-driven and spicy purple wines with delicate tannins). The Ernst vineyard is situated in Deutschkreuz, the guts of Blaufränkisch nation in Burgenland, and is thought for its characterful purple wines. The Ernst household focuses on pure cultivation, sustainable wine manufacturing, and genuine wines that completely mirror the area’s terroir. The Seewinkel area is characterised by distinctive geological and weather conditions which might be of nice significance for viticulture. The seasonal drying of the saline lakes creates particular soil situations that impart a mineral and salty observe to the wines. It’s daring and spicy with notes of darkish cherries, berries and a delicate contact of vanilla.
It appears there’s one other wine ready for us, however by now, we’ve had our fill. Every wine had been beautiful however what made the expertise actually particular was the atmosphere and sense of exclusivity, and – in fact – good firm. For anybody visiting Innsbruck, Weinhaus Tyrol is an absolute must-visit.
Disclosure: Our journey was sponsored by Innsbruck Tourism.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.
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