SW Beerenauslese 2018 375ml

Wine Description for SW Beerenauslese 2018 375ml by Velich

Colour & Appearance

Luminous amber with orange and copper reflections. When swirled, thick, syrupy legs form – a visual promise of enormous concentration.

Nose

An aromatic fireworks display of impressive complexity: candied orange peel and dried apricots dominate, flanked by figs, dates and Piedmont hazelnuts swirled in honey. Fresh notes of pears and peaches join in, along with white nougat with pistachios, a hint of grapefruit and exotic spices such as ginger, cardamom and cinnamon.

Palate

The texture is almost chewable – an opulent, dense nectar of extraordinary intensity. The deep sweetness is perfectly balanced by powerful acidity, so the wine never feels cloying, but rather elegant and structured. The firm backbone of the Chardonnay carries the concentrated fruit-spice medley with aplomb.

Finish

Seemingly endless. In the finale, a fascinating saline note emerges, reminiscent of Breton salted caramel – an unexpected yet brilliant counterpoint to the sweetness that underscores the complexity once more.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from the Seewinkel on Lake Neusiedl, where Heinz Velich’s Chardonnay vines are rooted in predominantly sandy soils. The frequent fog over the steppe lake encourages botrytis infection – the foundation for this region’s world-renowned sweet wines.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Chardonnay, concentrated by noble rot botrytis. Heinz Velich is among the few winemakers who age their sweet wines in used barriques on the lees – a technique that imparts additional complexity and texture to the wine.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Excellent with blue cheese such as Roquefort or Stilton, foie gras, apple strudel or crème brûlée. Also a delight with roasted nuts or marzipan desserts. Or simply on its own as a meditative tasting experience.

Special Features

A great soloist in a small bottle. This Beerenauslese impressively demonstrates that Austrian sweet wines belong among the world’s finest – a wine of monumental concentration that unites power with finesse.