Johannes Trapl
Johannes Trapl is a leading figure in Austria's natural wine movement, known for his commitment to biodynamic farming and a "no-nonsense" approach to winemaking. He is part of a new generation that is revitalizing the Carnuntum region.
Region
The Johannes Trapl winery is located in the Carnuntum wine region of Lower Austria, just east of Vienna. The region is known for its Roman history and diverse geology. Trapl's vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Arbesthaler Hills, with soils of gravel and loam, as well as on the famous Spitzerberg, which has unique limestone and schist soils. This geological diversity allows him to produce a range of wines that express different facets of the region's terroir.
Grapes Used
Trapl focuses on both indigenous and classic Austrian varieties, with a strong emphasis on red grapes.
Red Grapes: 🍇 Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt are his primary red varieties. He also works with St. Laurent.
White Grapes: 🥂 Grüner Veltliner, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Welschriesling.
Representative Wines and Philosophy
Johannes Trapl's philosophy is simple: let the grapes and the land speak for themselves. His winery has been certified organic since 2010 and received Demeter biodynamic certification in 2022. He employs a hands-off approach in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts and no additions or fining. He also uses a variety of aging vessels, including stainless steel, traditional large oak casks, and amphorae.
His wines are known for their elegance, freshness, and lively character, often with lower alcohol levels than is typical for the region. He achieves this by harvesting grapes when they are at their optimal flavor, rather than waiting for high sugar content.
Karpatenschiefer: This is a key series of wines that highlight the unique terroir of the Spitzerberg. The name translates to "Carpathian schist," a reference to the specific soil type. He produces both a Blaufränkisch and a Grüner Veltliner from this site, with the white wine undergoing a long maceration period in Georgian amphorae, resulting in a complex and textural orange wine.
Blaufränkisch Spitzerberg: A single-vineyard wine from the esteemed Spitzerberg vineyard, this wine showcases the elegance, minerality, and finesse that can be achieved with Blaufränkisch from this unique site.
UNI6: A distinctive and popular rosé, often a blend of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. It is known for its vibrant character and is a great example of his low-intervention winemaking.
Entry-level wines: He produces a range of more accessible wines, such as his classic Zweigelt, that are fresh, fruity, and meant for everyday enjoyment.
Name: Weingut Johannes Trapl
Adresse: Hauptstraße 16, 2463 Stixneusiedl, Niederösterreich, Österreich
Telefon: +43 (0)2169 2404
E-Mail: office@trapl.com
Website: johannestrapl.com
Instagram: @johannestrapl
Facebook: @johannestrapl