Force of Nature Winegrowers' Association
When it bangs, it really bangs at the Styrian Eruption Winzer: no argument, the loud popping of the corks is of course meant. Because the winegrowers’ association presented the Eruption Brut 2021 at the sparkling wine whisper in the Weinschloss Thaller. A lavish celebration that focused on both what the association has in common and what makes it different.
There is an opportunity in being different
“Diamonds are created under pressure” - as the nine winegrowers from the Vulkanland region show with their new Eruption Brut 2021. What they put in the bottle and later in the glass delivers what this wine region promises. However, the Eruption Winzer are not satisfied with the status quo: “Together, we want to develop the region further,” emphasizes chairman Alois Gollenz. “This is only possible on the basis of mutual respect and the realization that there is an opportunity in being different.” Excitement, away from the predictable, that is the association's credo.
You can also look forward to the Eruption Brut 2021, in which the grapes of the nine winemakers were married. The cuvée consists of Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the vines growing on shell limestone and basalt. The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed and fermented spontaneously in wooden barrels. When enjoyed, the Brut promises an aroma of ripe pears, fresh brioche and quinces.
Sparkling atmosphere
But it wasn't just the sparkling wine that was special. For the presentation as part of the sparkling wine whispering, an already dreamlike location was chosen, the Weinschloss Thaller, which was made even more magical by the dream world designed by Andreas Stern. The acrobatic performances of Circque Rouge took place between champagne pyramids, while the Pepe Allstar Band provided a lively atmosphere and DJane Mel Merio once again played later in the evening. The evening was hosted by gourmet ambassador and editor of Genusspunkt, Alexandra Gorsche.
Speaking of indulgence: the 2021 version of Eruption Brut was accompanied by 20 courses of finger food from Werner Gschiel and Johannes Neumann as well as OFYR Live Cooking in the courtyard - alongside oysters, Alpine caviar and Vulcano ham, of course. Sweet treats were on offer at Michaela Thaller's dessert candy table.
Deliberate confrontation
The Eruption Winzer do not swear by too much harmony, on the contrary. The winegrowers are all about confrontation, which is why the blend was created from the same force that gave rise to the region millions of years ago: volcanic activity. They celebrate both what they have in common and what is different.
However, the association of the nine winegrowers also offers numerous advantages for the individuals: By pooling resources and expertise, the wineries can benefit from joint marketing strategies. The cooperation ensures a stronger market presence and better sales opportunities, and the costs for individual measures can be reduced. Last but not least, the members benefit from an intensive exchange of experience; in a winegrowers' cooperative, the strengths of the individual members can be combined.
The nine Eruption winegrowers
Our conclusion for the future
The Eruption Winzer show that true strength lies in being different, but also in community. The Eruption Brut 2021 is an excellent example of the quality that comes from the collaboration of the nine winemakers. By combining their individual styles and techniques, they create something new and extraordinary that takes the region forward. The focus is on the future - with a clear vision that celebrates both what is common and what is special.
Karl Schrotter
