Hager

Matthias Hager, an Austrian winemaker known for his dedication to biodynamic and natural winemaking. He represents the next generation of his family's winery and is one of the most experimental and well-regarded producers in the Kamptal region.

Region

The Hager winery is located in the Kamptal wine region of Lower Austria, in the small village of Mollands. The area is renowned for its diverse soil types, including loess, loam, clay, and various types of primary rock like mica schist and gneiss. This soil diversity is a key element of Hager's winemaking philosophy, as he aims to express the unique terroir of each vineyard. The climate is also a factor, with cool winds from the Waldviertel region and significant day-night temperature differences, which help to produce wines with vibrant fruit and acidity.

Grapes Used

Matthias Hager works primarily with the classic grapes of the Kamptal.

  • White Grapes: 🥂 Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are his most important grapes. He also works with Sauvignon Blanc and Gemischter Satz (a traditional Austrian field blend).

  • Red Grapes: 🍇 Zweigelt, Blauburger, and Pinot Noir.

Representative Wines and Philosophy

Hager's philosophy is rooted in biodynamic viticulture, and the winery has been certified by the Demeter Associationsince 2006. His winemaking is guided by the principle of "less is more," with a focus on spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur additions, and no filtration.

To highlight the diversity of his vineyards and styles, he has established a unique color-coded product line:

  • The Blue Line: This line represents his light, fresh, and fruity wines, often made from Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are meant to be enjoyed young and reflect the clear, refreshing energy of the region.

  • The Brown Line: This line is dedicated to his more earthy and complex wines with aging potential. They often come from older vines on unique soils, and are aged longer to develop depth and character.

  • The Red Line: This line signifies his most uncompromising wines, made with no added sulfites, a challenging and highly specialized form of natural winemaking. These wines are a pure expression of the grapes and their vintage, requiring a high level of skill and care.

Matthias Hager's wines are highly sought after by natural wine enthusiasts and are a testament to his expertise in balancing traditional farming with a modern, experimental approach.