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Tasting note
“To” means lake in Hungarian – a tribute to Lake Neusiedl, whose Pannonian climate with hot, dry summers and extreme temperature fluctuations shapes this cuvée. In Apetlon, at the south-eastern tip of the lake, Heinz and Roland Velich have crafted wine that meets international standards without denying its origins.
- Colour & Appearance
- Radiant golden yellow with vibrant depth; clear and concentrated in the glass.
- Nose
- Papaya, sweet mango and gooseberry form an exotic fruit profile, underpinned by tonka bean and vanilla foam as well as smoky toasty notes from wooden cask ageing. The aromatics are never overpowering, but unfold layer by layer – a complexity that promises depth and intricacy.
- Palate
- Creamy on the attack, immediately refreshing; tangy-fruity and salty at once. This tangy-fruity, saline impression whets the appetite and evokes creative, spice-driven cuisine. The acidity provides structure without dominating – power paired with elegance.
- Terroir & Origin
- Apetlon, at the south-eastern tip of Lake Neusiedl, where the Pannonian climate makes its presence particularly felt. The limestone and gravel soils, interspersed with sand, lend the grapes structure and minerality. In this unassuming corner of Burgenland, wines of international calibre are possible – without losing their regional imprint.
- Grape Varieties & Vinification
- Cuvée of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Welschriesling. 12.5% abv, dry. The wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and mature in Burgundian barrels for significantly longer than most Austrian white wines. At Velich, no oenological finesse is sought, but rather lived practice: minimal yields, meticulous selection, restrained sulphur use.
- Food Pairings
- Confit organic egg yolk with goat’s cheese, tarragon, chanterelles, elderflower ponzu and apricot (vegetarian dish by Bernd Bachofer, Restaurant Bachofer, Michelin-starred). Also excellent with Asian cuisine or herb-forward dishes.
- Special Features
- The Hungarian word “To” for lake alludes to both homage and region. The exotic fruit (papaya, mango) combined with mineral freshness and toasty notes from wooden cask ageing make this wine an exciting interpretation of Burgenland white wine – beyond the Chardonnay flagships Tiglat and Darscho, yet with the same uncompromising craftsmanship.
