Pichler-Krutzler
Summary
Founded in 2006 by Elisabeth Pichler and Erich Krutzler, Pichler-Krutzler is a boutique winery operating 12 hectares across Austria's Wachau and Kremstal regions, focusing on Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from steep, terraced vineyards with diverse soil compositions. The couple deliberately operates outside the traditional Vinea Wachau classification system, instead emphasizing vineyard-specific bottlings that showcase their minimalist winemaking approach and commitment to terroir expression, which has quickly established them as one of Austria's most compelling emerging producers.
Heritage & Leadership
Pichler-Krutzler was established in 2006 when Elisabeth Pichler and Erich Krutzler combined their considerable winemaking backgrounds to create their own venture in Austria's Wachau and Kremstal regions. Elisabeth, daughter of F.X. Pichler, brought deep knowledge of the Wachau's terroir, while Erich contributed expertise developed at his family's winery in Burgenland. The couple began with just a few hectares and has methodically expanded their holdings to approximately 12 hectares across select sites in both regions.
Unlike many Wachau producers, Pichler-Krutzler operates outside the Vinea Wachau classification system, choosing not to use the traditional Federspiel and Smaragd designations. Instead, they label their wines according to vineyard site, emphasizing the primacy of terroir in their winemaking philosophy. This decision reflects their independent approach and desire to express each vineyard's character without the constraints of regional classification systems.
Vineyards & Wines
Pichler-Krutzler's vineyards span both the Wachau and Kremstal, with holdings in several distinguished sites. In the Wachau, they cultivate parcels in Loibenberg, a south-facing slope with primary rock soils that produces powerful, structured wines. Their Pfaffenberg vineyard in Kremstal features terraced plots with mineral-rich soils that impart distinctive tension to their wines.
The portfolio centers on Austria's signature white varieties, with Grüner Veltliner and Riesling forming the core of production. These are complemented by smaller plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The vineyards are planted predominantly on steep terraces, with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 meters above sea level. The varying exposures and soil compositions—from primary rock to loess—allow for a diverse range of expressions within their collection.
The Klostersatz vineyard produces more approachable wines from loess soils, while the steep, terraced In der Wand site yields more mineral-driven, structured wines that benefit from bottle aging. Each vineyard is harvested and vinified separately to preserve its distinct characteristics.
Philosophy & Practice
Pichler-Krutzler adheres to a minimalist winemaking approach that prioritizes vineyard expression over cellar intervention. Their viticultural practices focus on achieving optimal physiological ripeness while maintaining natural acidity. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with careful selection in the vineyard.
In the cellar, fermentations occur with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and neutral oak barrels. The wines typically undergo extended contact with fine lees to build texture and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is neither encouraged nor prevented, allowing each wine to follow its natural course. Filtration is kept to a minimum, and the wines are bottled with moderate sulfur levels to preserve freshness and aging potential.
The winery employs sustainable farming methods, focusing on soil health and biodiversity in the vineyards. Their approach to viticulture emphasizes balance in the ecosystem, with cover crops planted between rows to prevent erosion on the steep slopes and promote beneficial insect populations. This meticulous attention in the vineyard translates to wines that clearly communicate their origins—precise, structured, and reflective of both vintage conditions and specific terroir.