If you’ve ever wandered into Austrian wine territory, chances are you’ve already crossed paths, knowingly or not, with the legacy of Lenz Moser, one of the true pioneers of modern viticulture. Back in the 1950s, this forward-thinking trailblazer developed the now-iconic Lenz Moser vine training system, revolutionizing vineyard work not just in Austria, but around the globe.
Fast-forward to 1987: Lenz’s son, Sepp Moser, launched his own wine adventure, and in 2000, the third generation, Nikolaus Moser took the reins. Not only did Nikolaus stick with the family’s high standards, but in a bold move in 2006, he transitioned the entire estate to biodynamic viticulture, making Sepp Moser one of the first Demeter-certified wineries in Austria.
Safe to say, this family doesn’t just follow trends, they set them.
Let’s dive into three of their seriously exciting bottles:
2018 Zweigelt ‘Reserve’ – BURGENLAND
Forget what you know about Zweigelt. This is not your mellow, middle-of-the-road red.
At first glance, you might expect something soft and fruity. But the moment you bring the glass to your nose, bam!, ripe cherries, cocoa nibs, tobacco leaf, and a whiff of violet. On the palate, it’s even bolder: dark plums, warm spices, and an unexpected twist of bitter cherry chocolate that lingers in the best way. This wine is rustic, charming, and full of personality. A total dark horse that demands your attention.
2019 Grüner Veltliner ‘Fundamental’ – WEINLAND
This isn’t your typical crisp-and-zingy Grüner. No, this one went to art school and grew a mustache.
Aged on fine lees, this Grüner Veltliner brings an unexpected richness that sets it apart. Think: ripe peach, honeydew melon, cracked white pepper, and a wild, biscuity funk that screams complexity. It’s textural, bold, and deliciously outside the box, like Grüner on a mission to show off its more rebellious side.
2018 Riesling Ried ‘Gänstreiberin’ Reserve – KREMSTAL DAC
Looking for a Riesling that doesn’t just sing it performs a full aria?
This bottle is your golden ticket. From the first sip, it’s pure elegance: ripe peach and juicy apricot glide across the tongue, followed by a whisper of sweet almond and a dazzling streak of minerality that gives the wine its backbone. It’s vibrant, it’s structured, and it has a real sense of place. A Riesling with depth, brightness, and soul.
The Sepp Moser estate blends family heritage, innovative spirit, and a deep love for the land into wines that are as thoughtful as they are thrilling. From wild and rustic reds to layered whites with attitude, these bottles are biodynamic brilliance in liquid form.
So next time you are looking to sip something with story, substance, and a little swagger, crack open a bottle from Sepp Moser and taste the evolution of Austrian wine.
Cheers to rebels, roots, and Riesling that rocks!
http://www.sepp-moser.at/
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''