Birgit Wiederstein

Birgit Wiederstein is an Austrian winemaker known for her commitment to biodynamic viticulture, not for her contributions to the broader field of biotechnology. Her work focuses on applying natural and holistic farming practices to wine production.

Career and Philosophy

Birgit Wiederstein is a winemaker and owner of the Weiberwirtschaft Wiederstein winery in Göttlesbrunn, Austria. She took over the family business in 2002 and, along with her mother, has established a reputation for producing elegant, character-driven wines. Wiederstein describes herself as a "wine-making companion," believing her role is to guide and nurture the natural processes of the vineyard rather than to impose her will on them. She believes that the crucial part of winemaking happens in the vineyard, where the careful interaction between people and plants determines the wine's character.

Her approach is deeply rooted in respect for nature and tradition. She and her team cultivate their vineyards according to biodynamic and biological organic principles, which involve:

  • Working in harmony with the lunar calendar 🌒.

  • Preparing natural composts to enrich the soil.

  • Encouraging biodiversity within the vineyard ecosystem.

Wiederstein also embraces traditional methods, such as foot-stomping grapes, and uses minimal intervention in the cellar. Her wines are often unfiltered and unfined, relying on natural yeasts for fermentation.

While her work is not in the traditional sense of laboratory-based biotechnology, her methods represent an application of natural fermentation processes and microbial ecology. She leverages the indigenous yeast and bacteria present on the grape skins and in the cellar to carry out fermentation. This is a form of applied microbiology, a subfield of biotechnology, where she manages a complex biological system to achieve a desired outcome—the unique flavor and character of her wines.

In her own words, Wiederstein's fascination with biology began in school, where she was captivated by the definition of biology as "the study of life." This fascination led her to become an organically farming vintner, a step she sees as a natural extension of that early passion. Her work serves as an example of how traditional practices can be enhanced by a deeper understanding of biological systems, promoting a more sustainable and authentic form of agriculture and production.

Region

The winery is situated in Göttlesbrunn, a village in the heart of the Carnuntum wine region in Lower Austria. This area is known for its Roman history and a unique terroir of limestone and clay soils.

Grapes Used

Birgit Wiederstein cultivates a mix of red and white grapes.

  • Red Grapes: 🍇 Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

  • White Grapes: 🥂 Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Gelber Muskateller, and traditional varieties like Lindenblättriger (also known as Hárslevelű) and Brauner Veltliner.

Representative Wines

Her portfolio includes a range of wines, often with playful or poetic names. Some examples include:

  • Rhea Zweigelt: A red wine made from 100% Zweigelt grapes.

  • Die Flora: A white wine, often a Grüner Veltliner.

  • "Anna Blume" White: A white wine made from the traditional Lindenblättriger grape.

  • Rozae: A rosé wine that is a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

  • Perlenspiel Brut: A sparkling wine.

  • Zirkus Zweigelt: A red wine, likely a Zweigelt.