Organic Austrian estate managed by wife and husband Adriana and Martin which celebrates both their Spanish and Austrian heritage through authentic, terroir-driven wines.

Hearing about Lichtenberger González was one of those beautiful moments it is hard not to describe as destiny. A late solo dinner at one of Vienna’s top wine bars, a helpful sommelier, and my favourite question: “What wine from your country are you the most excited about right now?”

He poured a special label of Grüner Veltliner by Lichtenberger Gonzáles and I was floored. I have consumed many (MANY) Grüners in my time but this was something different, emotional. Not just a great Austrian wine, but one of the greatest wines – full stop – I had tasted in a long time. This began an obsession which has only grown and been further reinforced by every wine I taste from these two humble farmers. 

Lichtenberger González is a spirited partnership between husband and wife, Martin and Adriana. Both come from wine-making families (Adriana from Galicia, Spain; Martin is a local to Breitenbrunn in the Leithaberg region of Austria) and met during an internship in Sonoma, California. Combining their knowledge, experience, and traditions now in Martin’s hometown they are crafting artisanal, low-intervention, gorgeous wines based on local grapes.

Breintenbrunn is located on the northwest corner of the Lake Neusiedl, in the shadow of the the Leitha Mountains in the Burgenland. This is the furthest outcrop of the alps! Wine growing here dates back as far as the Celts. While most of Burgenland is more preoccupied with red grapes like Rotberger and Blaufränkisch, Leithaberg offers a unique diversity of soils which are well suited to both red and white grape growing. Slate and schist can be found mostly in the higher elevation sites infusing wines with distinct minerality, while in the mid-range a calcareous band of shell-limestone (or muschelkalk, as it is referred to locally) adds a distinct salty character. This tension and energy expresses itself beautifully through all the grapes Lichtenberger González work with including single-variety bottlings and blends of Grüner Veltliner, Neuburger, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Rotberger, and Blaufränkisch.

Winemaking at Lichtenberger González is intentionally slow and patient. Fermentations are spontaneous, relying on indigenous yeasts and take place in neutral oak barrels. Lees aging is extended to encourage texture and offer natural protection for the wines. Everything starts with organically grown fruit from their 9ha estate. Most of the red grapes are destemmed and white grapes are pressed as whole clusters along with their stems. Fermentation is quick and punch downs are all done by hand to avoid over-extraction and preserve the purity and vibrancy of fruit.

Winemaking is not an insular endeavour, but rather a community undertaking. Adriana and Martin draw inspiration locally from time spent at Rosi Schuster, Heinrich, and while sharing wines with friends – including some of our faves like Stefan at Kolfok! Combine all of this with their incredible vineyard sites, naturally surrounded by trees and dense with biodiversity, along with older vines grown on schist and limestone soils, and you can see how these wines are so special.

We cannot wait for you to try them!