Weingut Ecker, Wagram, Austria
Winemaker Bernhard Ecker of Weingut Ecker-Eckhof is one of the most exciting winemakers in the Wagram wine region (northwest of Vienna). Falstaff awards the winery 4 out of 5 stars. His Grüner Veltliner Mordthal scored 95 points from A la Carte and 92 from Falstaff. His wines are featured on the menus of international Michelin-starred restaurants. Ecker works fully organically.
Typical Wagram: loess soil and unique grape varieties
The Wagram wine region (formerly Donauland) features a thick loess-loam soil with some stony patches. What makes Ecker special is his focus on rare Austrian grape varieties such as the ancient Roter Veltliner — not related to Grüner Veltliner, and planted almost exclusively in Wagram.
Ecker wines at Lekker Sapje
- Gelber Muskateller — aromatic, dry, delicate hint of nutmeg. Ripe pear and apple, refined acidity.
- Grüner Veltliner von Eckhof — apple, pear, white pepper, minerality. 4.5 stars Perswijn, 90 points Falstaff.
- Grüner Veltliner Mordthal — top vineyard with thick loess soil. 95 points A la Carte, 92 Falstaff.
- Grüner Veltliner Grosse Reserve — only in exceptional years. Stony, nutty, kumquat, apricot.
- Roter Veltliner — ancient white variety, more mineral and zestier than Grüner. Organic.
- Roter Veltliner Steinberg — stony granite soil. Best Roter Veltliner of 2025. On the menu at Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Roter Veltliner Steinberg Grosse Reserve — only in the best years. Endless tension, can age for 15 years.
- Riesling — from Rieden Im Wasn and Steinberg (Alte Reben 1993). 91 points Falstaff.
- Weissburgunder Kirchberg — from Ried Kirchberg, old vines from 1990. Apple, floral honey, nutty.
- Grauburgunder Reserve Kalk — aged in 500L foudres. 93 points Falstaff.
