Clemens Krutzler

Clemens Krutzler is a rising star in the Austrian winemaking scene, representing the fifth generation of the Krutzler family winery. He is known for blending the family's deep-rooted traditions with his own innovative, low-intervention approach.

Region

The Krutzler winery is located in Südburgenland (South Burgenland), specifically in the villages of Deutsch-Schützenand on the slopes of the Eisenberg ("Iron Mountain"). This region is renowned for its unique terroir, characterized by:

  • Eisenberg: The namesake iron-rich brown earth and schist soils. This geological composition is said to impart a distinctive minerality, precision, and earthiness to the wines, particularly Blaufränkisch.

  • Microclimate: A unique combination of a warm Pannonian climate and cooler currents from the East Styrian hills, which allows for long ripening periods with balanced acidity.

Grapes Used

Clemens Krutzler focuses on the region's indigenous and flagship grape varieties.

  • Red Grapes: 🍇 Blaufränkisch is the star of the show. He also works with Zweigelt and Merlot, which are used in the broader winery's portfolio.

  • White Grapes: 🥂 Welschriesling is his main white grape. The winery also works with other varieties like Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner for certain blends.

Representative Wines and Philosophy

Clemens Krutzler has been experimenting with his own projects since 2020, focusing on a specific style that sets his wines apart.

  • "CK" Wines: These are his personal projects, often named with a "CK" prefix. His signature style is defined by:

    • Low-Intervention Vinification: He uses natural yeasts for fermentation and minimizes technical intervention in the cellar.

    • Varying Maceration Times: He experiments with the duration of grape skin contact to achieve a new style that is both serious and full of lightness and vibrancy.

    • Sur Lie Aging: All of his wines are aged on the lees (dead yeast cells) in used oak barrels, a technique that adds complexity, texture, and a distinctive character.

  • CK Mash-Up: This is one of his most notable experimental wines. It is a bold blend of Blaufränkisch and Welschriesling, a red and a white grape, that results in a complex rosé/light red wine with vibrant acidity, salty minerality, and a unique character.

  • CK Blaufränkisch & Welschriesling: His single-varietal wines showcase his unique approach to the region's classic grapes, aiming for elegance, fine tannins, and lively acidity.

The Krutzler winery is also famous for its flagship wine, Perwolff, a master blend created by his father Reinhold and uncle Erich. While this is a part of the family's legacy, Clemens is actively forging his own path, combining ancestral knowledge with an innovative and bold spirit, making him a key figure in the next generation of Austrian winemakers.