Darscho 2018

The Darsho is a single-varietal Chardonnay from the Seewinkel region on Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland. The name refers to a salt varnish of the same name on the lake, of which there are about 40 in Seewinkel. They are hollows formed during the Ice Age, in which water and different salts can be found. The vines were planted between 1980 and 2000 in the sandy soils at the lake. Heinz Velich produces there, in addition to the iconic Tiglat this second outstanding Chardonnay of Austria, which used to be powerful but has since become increasingly fine and elegant. The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness, slowly pressed as whole clusters after standing, fermented spontaneously at a relatively warm temperature and aged on full lees in wood for two years.

between gold and copper

Similar to the 2020 Darsho the 2018 is also reminiscent of mature Blanc de Blancs or mature Chenin Blanc from Anjou with this irresistible mixture of Parisian pastry, ripe stone and pome fruits, ripe citrus fruits and the mellow hint of oxidation. Ripe pears and quinces, grilled apricots, kumquats, candied orange zest and lanolin come immediately to mind, accompanied by a little wood.

On the palate the 2018s Darsho Ripe and mature, sensual and noble with an impressive depth and length. It is a very unique and unmistakable style that Heinz Velich offers here and which expresses itself in such a way that the individual aromatic components already show themselves to be mellow and mature, but are nevertheless under power and in this respect fresh and lively. One finds a mouth-filling fruit of ripe citrus fruits, stone fruits and pome fruits, furthermore some ginger. In addition, there are again notes of lanolin, also of black tea. All this seems concentrated and complex. It is permeated by a lively acidity and a minerality that is due to the old deep-rooted vines. Despite the fullness and depth, the wine seems tonic, salty and spicy, accordingly it is impressive.