Vinaria Wine Guide 2025/26
“The family-run winery, led by Michael Kirchknopf, is one of the established wineries in the southern Leithaberg region. The entire range is classified as Leithaberg DAC and is stylistically characterized by precise interpretations of the vineyards. This applies to both the white and red premium lines. The current series comprises three vintages that demonstrate that the winemaker’s signature has reached the highest level in terms of precision, finesse, and density. And this is despite the fact that the two top Chardonnay variants from the Tatschler and Katterstein vineyards, vintage 2023, and the estate’s flagship red wine, the Blaufränkisch Ried Reisbühl 2022, will not be featured in the next guide due to their youthful stage of development.
The terroir-driven winemaking philosophy and commitment to sustainability are just as much a given as the use of minimally invasive winemaking methods, including spontaneous fermentation and aging on the fine lees until bottling. To further optimize the balance between fruit extract and cool freshness, the harvest date has been moved up in some cases to prioritize freshness. Aging takes place in storage barrels of various sizes. The focus in the white wine portfolio is on the Chardonnay variety. A new addition is the Cuvée Lagenwerk, which comes from younger vines in the Reisbühl and Tatschler vineyards. The aim here is to create a high-quality local wine that fully impresses with its chalky, refined character. Complementing this, the Neuburger DAC is aged in the very traditional style—that is, in large wooden barrels—resulting in an unsurpassed expression of the variety with a harmonious richness of fruit that is second to none.
In the red wine category, the Blaufränkisch variety commands full attention. Here, Michael Kirchknopf presents Kalk & Schiefer, a blend of these very different terroirs. With a longer maceration period of 15 to 20 days and whole-cluster pressing—including a portion of grape stems—the result is a delicately fruity red wine that, with its appealing tannic bite, promises an enjoyable drinking experience even on hot days. The Blaufränkisch Fölligberg 2022 can be described as the “best ever” from the Kirchknopf estate, fully delighting with its full-bodied texture and deep fruit profile.”
★★★ Weissburgunder Alte Reben Leithaberg DAC 2024
Aromas of light nuts, abundant yellow fruit, juicy, dense, well-balanced, with good length.
★★★ Neuburger Tradition Leithaberg DAC 2023
A delicate bouquet of ripe apple, quince, and elderflower, with white fruit aromas and hints of yellow fruit; full-bodied with a clean, linear structure, juicy, with a delicate balance of acidity, rich in extract, and a smooth, velvety finish; long-lasting, an impressive expression of the variety.
★★★ Chardonnay Kalk & Schiefer Leithaberg DAC 2023
Stone fruit notes, a touch of exoticism, lively fruit flavors with verve, pink grapefruit, excellent structure, shows depth, delicately smoky, strong terroir character, a real pleasure to drink, good length.
★★★ Chardonnay Lagenwerk® Leithaberg DAC 2023
A concentrated, fruity nose with stone fruit and rich yellow fruit aromas; a style characterized by spice, orange zest, and substance; complex and perfectly structured with a tannic backbone; an attractive balance; compact, with a long finish.
★★★★ Chardonnay Ried Tatschler Leithaberg DAC 2022
A delicate, herbaceous bouquet; fully ripe, golden-hued aromas; powerful and nuanced with a distinct fruity character; mineral-driven; dense and compact; with a long finish.
★★★ Blaufränkisch Kalk & Schiefer Leithaberg DAC 2022
Abundant red berry notes intertwined with delicate herbal spice; powerful and complex, with a light, elegant touch; shows some edge; a cool, crisp quality; strong terroir expression; highly drinkable; superb style; very long finish.
★★★★ Blaufränkisch Ried Föllikberg Leithaberg DAC 2022
A bouquet of dark fruits, earthy notes, tightly woven, profound, with a rich, full-bodied texture, pronounced tannins, dense, intense, harmonious, crystal-clear style, long-lasting, a magnificent expression of the terroir, superb.
