JOHANNES ZILLINGER
“Being an organic or biodynamic winemaker is not a trend. It is a lifestyle, and we have been living it for over 40 years.”
In the north of Austria, in the Weinviertel region, Johannes Zillinger, a third-generation winemaker, and his family and team have been running a biodynamic farm for many years. A commitment to sustainability is crucial in understanding his management of the estate. For Johannes, organic and bio-dynamic agriculture is not a trend, but a lifestyle. In addition to vineyards, there also grow herbs, which are then used in the form of teas, essential oils, and extracts for spraying vineyards. They also keep sheep, chickens, and Kunekune pigs for grazing between the vines. The main practices in the vineyard are the circular economy and the promotion of biodiversity. Johannes works with classic Austrian varieties, such as Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, and Laurel, as well as with international varieties, such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are enamoured by his wines because they are honest, brilliantly reflect the terroir, and boast a great price-to-quality ratio.
foto: Christina Rasmussen
Winemaker: Johannes Zillinger
Region: Weinviertel, Niederösterreich, Austria
Varieties: Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Cabernet Franc, Rösler, St. Laurent, Syrah, Zweigelt
Vineyard size: 23 ha
Yearly production: 100,000 – 200,000 bottles
Altitude: 190-240 meters
Soil: loam, loess, chalk, sandstone, limestone
Farming: biodynamic
