THE BLESSED WINEMAKER Philipp Bründlmayer (Kremstal)

It's quite a cool morning today. Foggy. Vineyards seem to be in their final stretch before they fall asleep till the next season. We receive a phone call from Philipp Bründlmayer: “It's our last day of harvest. Come around at 9.” We agree and jump in the car. Taking the road past dozens of cellars in Gedersdorf (Kremstal), we make a sharp turn on a tiny vineyard trail. Arrived. Excited to meet the young winemaker, we jump in our wellies, take the camera and join the crowd. Something seems different than usual. There is an extremely friendly atmosphere. One of the elderly gentlemen plays a sarcastic joke on Philipp - the team exults. This is not a common scene. Philipp looks back at us and explains: “This is my father. That's my aunt, uncle, cousin and... The last day we always pick grapes ourselves. And then have a celebration in the evening.” Well, that explains everything.

The history of weingut Josef & Philipp Bründlmayer dates back to the 20th century, when the grandfather of Philipp started giving away grapes to local collective for pressing. His father Josef took over the existing vineyards, added new ones and developed his passion by making wine for his own use and some devoted clients. The big changes were brought in with Philipp Bründlmayer in 2015. With the greatest trust and blessing of his father Josef, he created a modern winery from scratch, by inventing new wines, new labels and new infrastructure.

Q&A WITH PHILIPP BRÜNDLMAYER

What's your first memory of being in a vineyard?

Wine harvest with my grandparents and parents at least 25 years ago. It's been years since that time, but I am still here and still passionate about the process.

Has winemaking always been your dream job?

After school, definitely.

Which process of winemaking do you enjoy the most?

I am busy a whole year round, but of course, when the first tracks of grapes arrive and the first press is done - that is pretty exciting.

Which is the hardest part of a harvest?

None. Maybe only if you've had too much wine to celebrate the ending of a harvest.

Can you imagine 10 years from now?

I am looking forward to having more mature vineyards in the future and celebrate my 40th birthday with my family and a great wine from vintage 2020.

Does your winery and label design reflect the wine you make?

Yes, because our label carries the image of the vineyard map where our vines are grown. I like that it feels traditional, reflecting the history of my family and origin of the wine.

Have you ever had a role model?

Not from Austria really, but I have always been inspired by the regions of Piedmont, Champagne, Bordeaux. They have great traditions.

What do you drink if it is not wine?

Champagne.

What's the strangest word you've heard or used to describe your wine?

Minerality.

If you’d put your own wine in a line up. What’s the company?

(see the “postcard”)