Weingut R&A Pfaffl | Weinviertel, Austria
The story of Pfaffl began in 1978, when Roman Pfaffl, affectionately known as Mr. Veltliner due to his pioneering role in popularisng Grüner Veltliner, set about transforming a simple two-acre farm with pigs, cows and cereals into a winery. Today, the winery stretches out over 270 acres, with parcels of vines embedded like tiny islands between fields, forests and villages, each with their own soil type and microclimate. From the light and playful to the concentrated and powerful, each wine produced has its own character and expresses a unique terroir.
Second generation siblings – Heidi and her brother Roman – are now at the helm of the family winery, and are still deeply rooted in their homeland, southern Weinviertel. The Pfaffls know their greatest strength – family unity – and together they carry the best of Weinviertel out into the world. The cooperation between generations is utterly authentic; everyone has their rightful role to play. Roman Josef Pfaffl is responsible for the wines and has the final word in the cellar. His father Roman Pfaffl applies his experience and intuition in the vineyard. Sister Heide Fischer takes charge of marketing and sales, while her mother Adelheid Pfaffl makes the winery a cheerful home and looks after the next generation.
Pfaffl wines have brought people pleasure for generations – and not just Pfaffl aficionados, but the vintners themselves – they’re the first to confess they really do love their jobs.
The Pfaffls specialise in dry white wines, which account for some 70% of their production; however, their reds are on the rise. Grüner Veltliner is the most beloved grape variety of the Pfaffl family. They use it to produce elegant wines in a range of styles, from fresh and fruity to opulent and complex, but never once losing the peppery spice quality typically associated with the variety.