Heidi Schröck, Burgenland ‘Nostalgie Naturelle Pét Nat’ 2021

• producer: Heidi Schröck
• region: Burgenland
• appellation: Neusiedlersee-Hügelland
• country: Austria
• grape variety: pinot blanc
• production notes: woman winemaker/owner

Heidi Schröck took over her family winery in 1983, in the historic village of Rust situated in the province of Burgenland about 5 miles from the Hungarian border. Her oldest vineyards on her 10 hectare property were planted by her 3 great aunts in 1955. She’s spent her career re-introducing historic varietals such as muscat-lunel and furmint from Hungary, while continuing to work with more classic Austrian varietals such as Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, and Welschriesling. She is the long-time leader of Cercle Ruster Ausbruch, an organization whose goal is to bring back Ausbruch, a sweet wine reminiscent of Hungary’s Royal Tokaji that had not existed since the phylloxera outbreak in the 19th century. In 2003, Heidi was awarded “Falstaff Vintner of the Year”, making her one of only a handful of women to obtain this distinction. 

This 100% pinot blanc pet nat drinks dry and floral with a backbone of limestone minerality, apple-esque sweetness. Notes of white flowers, jasmine and brioche round out this delicately sparkling wine.