Bioweingut Elisabeth Rücker

Bioweingut Elisabeth Rücker is located in Unterretzbach in the northwestern Weinviertel region of Austria, near the medieval wine town of Retz.

• Takeover and Organic Certification: Elisabeth Rücker took over the winery from her parents in 2019 and had it certified as organic in the same year.

• Cultivation Philosophy: She now works with biodynamic methods, focusing on healthy, aromatic grapes grown in living soils.

  • The winemaker spends most of her time outdoors inspecting the soils and vines and uses gentle cultivation methods from pruning to harvesting.

  • The estate's own compost is used to build up humus, and preparations are applied to stimulate growth and maintain the health of the plants (e.g., a coconut oil-herb mixture against powdery mildew).

• Winemaking: In the cellar, Elisabeth Rücker adapts her work to the weather extremes.

  • In warmer temperatures, whole-bunch pressing is increasingly utilized to achieve more tannins and aging potential.

  • In less hot years, she uses maceration on the skins (Maischestandzeit) for a leaner wine style with fine, specific flavors.

• Portfolio and Brand: The cultivation of Grüner Veltliner is natural in the Weinviertel region. However, under the brand "Mademoiselle Elisabeth," she is also dedicated to other varieties.

  • These include Chardonnay and Riesling from old vines, as well as Pinot Gris (Grauburgunder) and Welschriesling, which are vinified as single varietals or as a cuvée.

• Estate: The organic winery covers a vineyard area of 18 hectares and also offers the "Gästehaus Elisabeth"guesthouse with accommodation (5 double rooms, 10 beds in total) and breakfast. The historic buildings previously served as a police station and municipal office, among other things.