2022 Stift Göttweig Grüner Veltliner Messwein

Weingut Stift Göttweig is known as one of the oldest wineries in Austria. As a Benedictine abbey, Stift Göttweig was founded in the year 1083 by Altmann van Passau (also known as Sint Altmann). Since that time, the abbey has always played an important role in the development of wine production in the Wachau Valley. Stift Göttweig is located between the rolling countryside on the south bank of the Danube opposite the city of Krems at 449 meters above sea level. Because of this location and the abbey, the winery is also called the Austrian Montecassino. The Benedictines were responsible for the administration and management until 1988, after which the property was rented out until 2005. Since 2006, winegrower Fritz Miesbauer and his team have been reliving history on the Stift Göttweig estate.

The Stift Göttweig Grüner Veltliner Messwein, or mass wine in Dutch, has been used for centuries in the Benedictine abbey of Stift Göttweig at mass services and during the Eucharist celebrations. The Grüner Veltliner grapes grown around the abbey are vinified as a light, dry wine. To get the name sacramental wine, the wine must meet a number of conditions, from the nature-friendly approach in the vineyards to the care and processing of the grapes and wine, the "Reinheitsgebot", or purity law of the church, must be obeyed. Messwein also cannot be produced without the bishop's permission, and it must only be natural with no additives. With an average of 12% alcohol (this can vary depending on the harvest year), the Messwein is a light one, which makes this sacramental wine very easy and accessible.

The Messwein is dry, fresh and fruity white wine with the classic grüner veltliner spiciness. In the nose lemon, lime, and freshly ground pepper. Fresh and expressive on the palate with aromas of citrus fruits, red apple, and rosewood ending with an elegant finish. Ideal in combination with fried fish, poultry or spicy dishes (Oriental).