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The name Velich might not be too unfamiliar due to the incredible wines from Roland Velich of Weingut Moric. Famed for his incredible devotion to Blaufränkisch, but prior to the start of Moric, Roland was making wines side by side with his brother Heinz at their family estate: Weingut Velich. Their father Helmut started the winery in 1959, and while attempting to plant Pinot Blanc, he accidentally planted Chardonnay. The vines ended up being perfectly suited for the limestone-rich soils. However it wasn't until the 1990s when Heinz and Roland made their first dry Chardonnay from the oldest vineyard, Tiglat that the wines began to receive international acclaim. By 2006 Roland left to focus completely on Moric and Heinz took complete control over the family winery. Since then, the style has adjusted, from rich and dense wines towards more restraint and elegance. 
 
Today, with the help of his son Tobi, Heinz is meticulously farming with full cover crops, zero tilling, and natural viticulture.  He says how, "Great wine is not possible without great vineyard work." 
 
These wines are by no means what most think of when they think of Austrian wines. There is no Gruner Veltliner or Riesling in sight, just beautifully concentrated, Chardonnay and Welschriesling. Mineral, fresh, textural white wines to pair alongside fish, vegetables, and poultry. 

The wines are not only new to CSW today, but to the U.S. as they have not been imported in over a decade! The wines are all labeled as "Landwein" the equivalent of 'Vin de France" showing no appellation.

The 4 wines are as follows:

Welschriesling, which Heinz thinks of as "our Aligote," from vines 20-65 years old and then fermented and aged for 8 months in 60%  stainless steel and 40% used oak. A really lovely wine with light floral notes and fresh citrus. The palette is smooth and fresh with a nice textural finish and a touch of minerality. A lovely elegant, everyday, food-friendly bottle.

TO is a blend of Chardonnay, Welschriesling, and Sauvignon Blanc from 15-20 year old vines. Fermented and aged in used small and large wooden barrels for 18 months on the fine lees. The name TO comes from the Hungarian word for lake, referencing its proximity to Neusiedelersee. The wine is herbaceous with bright citrus fruit, and notes of lemon curd. It has a bright, salty, mineral finish.

Darscho is made from Chardonnay from 30-40 year old vines, and is a selection of the best grapes from various vineyards. The wine is fermented and aged in used large and small oak barrels for 18 months on the fine lees. There is a stony, savory quality with a touch of lemon. It has amazing texture with minerality and a smooth, bright finish. Darscho comes from the French term meaning 'warm lake' in reference to the local lakes that influence the terroir.

Tiglat is their top wine, 100% Chardonnay comprised of the best grapes from 65 year old vines. The first vines that Helmut planted. The wine is fermented and aged in used large and small oak barrels for 18 months on the fine lees. This wine leans the most Burgundian in style. Incredible concentration and depth with a textural quality and long finish. It shows a bit of its oak, but over time it allows for incredible harmony and balance. 
 
-Hanna Krilov Cohen

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