Weingut Högl
A Wachau winery where wines passion is a family history
Hoegl (Högl) is a young and family owned winery situated in the Wachau region (Austria) and founded by Josef Högl. For a long time the family delivered the grapes to the local cooperative. After studying oenology and working at Prager Estate, Josef Högl decided to make his own wines on the estate. Starting with just 3 hectares the Högl family soon extended the property. Today Weingut Högl is stretches over 7 hectares of vineyards, including terraces. The winery is managed by J. Högl and his son, Georg.
This vineyard is marked by difficult geological and climatic conditions. Indeed, the Spitzer Graben valley is known to be an area particularly steep with an idiosyncratic climate.At the Front of the Danube, their « terraces are colder, more barren, rugged and more stony » than most others in the Danube Valley region. They require a traditional skill, passion and a lot of… patience. However, they provide to their wine a specific character making them so unique in the Wachau region.The winery produces mostly Rieslings and the rest in Grüner Veltliner. Let’s go to meet Georg Högl, the young winemaker generation.
Why is your terroir so specific?
Georg Högl : We are located in the Spitzer Graben. This terroir is colder and more hostile than the other main wine areas of the Danube valley.We have a very poor soil composed of primary rock especially gneis and slate. Ou very steep terraces and dry stone walls keep the warmth from the day an give it back to the vines during nights, Spitzergraben is the coolest and one of the highest parts of the Wachau wine region. In fact our terraces are up to 460 meters hight.
Here we have cold nights but also very warm summer days.
What is your signature/imprint?
G. H.: Our wines are fresh, elegant, précise and strong but not to high in alcohol. They offer a nice acidity and a mineralic note from our favourite vineyards bruck and schön. They have a long finish. Our Smaragde are: deep, complex and long-lasting wines.
The grapes, the soil, the slate, the location and the overall terroir – should be mirrored in the finished product.We use and practice some ideas from organic agriculture. Healthy vines and a healthy terroir and a great attention to our vineyard are what the present and future qualities of our wines are based upon.
What represents wine to you ? G. H.: To produce wine is an honor and I think one of the most exciting jobs in the world. To drink wine is for me part of a good life quality. A bottle of wine is a gate to the culture, the people and the landscape of a winegrowing-region.
Describe your passion for wine in 3 words…
G. H. : Live with (the) nature. Key terms that spring to mind: authenticity, sustainability and typicity, but also openness and the ability to learn.
Describe your passion for wine in 3 words…
Josef M. Högl : For me, the Wachau region represents so much more than just home. It is in this landscape that I have learned everything that makes me who I am today: here are not just the roots of my wines but also my own roots