The Seewinkel, originally the area east of Lake Neusiedl in the area of the towns of Podersdorf, Apetlon and Illmitz, is known worldwide for its noble sweet wines. The indication of the narrower origin “Seewinkel” for noble sweet Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve is only permitted if the grapes come from the communities of Apetlon, Illmitz and/or Podersdorf.
Fog and humidity from Lake Neusiedl and many small lakes called Zicklacken often lead to noble rot. The grape varieties Sämling 88 (Scheurebe), Welschriesling and Chardonnay are often used for the noble sweet wines, but there are also sweet wines of the Muscat, Muscat-Ottonel, Traminer and Sauvignon Blanc varieties. Chardonnay, with its relatively thin berry skin, is susceptible to botrytis. Welschriesling, a little less susceptible to botrytis, is often used in sweet cuvées with Chardonnay as a crisp partner. This is probably due to its ability to retain its acidity even when it is very ripe. The latter also applies to Sämling 88, which also contributes a number of exotic fruit aromas.
We tasted the SW Beerenauslese 2017 from the Heinz Velich winery in Apetlon. A cuvée made from Chardonnay, Welschriesling and Sämling 88. The winery is known primarily for its dry Chardonnay wines, especially the Tiglat. I also really like the complex Welschriesling, as well as the other white wines – there are no red wines in the portfolio. Brother Roland produces red wines under the name Moric.
SW Beerenauslese 2017, Velich (Tasted Wines)
On the nose, ripe apricot, dried figs, a series of finely spicy notes of mace, cardamom, cinnamon blossom, white pepper and lovely botrytis. On the palate, round, full, almost oily, with a dense, pleasant sweetness, excellently integrated by a fresh acidity and the finely spicy, especially the white pepper notes. Very long aftertaste in which the fruity notes, slowly mixing with the finely spicy notes, announcing the end of the finish. Excellent, complex wine with very good potential.