Darscho 2022

The 2022 Darscho is a dry Chardonnay from the Burgenland Seewinkel, powerfully built yet brimming with invigorating freshness. Its 14.0% ABV supports a dense richness that is kept perfectly in check by crisp acidity.

The estate is located in Apetlon on the south-eastern tip of Lake Neusiedl. Darscho is the name of one of the many small shallow lakes (Lacken) that shape the microclimate of the Seewinkel. The Pannonian climate brings hot, dry summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature shifts. The soils consist of limestone and gravel interspersed with sand; for the Darscho, they are somewhat deeper, which translates into fruit richness and texture.

Chardonnay from 20 to 40-year-old vines. Heinz Velich works with minimal yields and meticulous selection, fermenting spontaneously with wild yeasts. Aging takes place in Burgundian oak barrels with extended lees contact and restrained use of sulphur. Fining and filtration are applied only where strictly necessary, and the wine is given ample time in both the cellar and the bottle.

An intense golden yellow in the glass. The nose shifts between nutty, smoky, and vanilla notes and intense fruit aromas of orange and vineyard peach; the minerality literally leaps from the glass. On the palate it is juicy, fruity, and invigorating: the fresh acidity is wrapped in fruit, a creamy melting texture rounds it out, and the finish remains vibrantly alive.

Pairs wonderfully with pan-seared turbot, white meat in creamy sauces, mushroom dishes, sweetbreads, and mature hard cheeses.

Heinz and Roland Velich have been running the estate in Apetlon since the early 1990s, with Heinz as the winemaker and Roland managing sales and communications. Their entire focus is dedicated to white wine.