Langmeil is a blend of Barossa's cultural beginnings and a family's modern commitment to world-class viticulture and old vines, featuring what is probably the world's oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard (1843). Once a trading village founded in 1842, this remarkable place is a captivating part of Australian wine history that is a must-see when visiting Barossa.
For several years, the Langmeil range has been a fixture at Wyhus Ryf. The exquisite wines delight our customers every year. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, we were unable to visit James and his family in Australia last year to taste the new vintages for you. Nevertheless, we are always in contact with our long-standing partners and spontaneously decided during our last exchange to do an interview together to bring Langmeil closer to you. Read the first part of the interview with James Lindner, the CEO of Langmeil.
During the grape harvest a few days ago, James confirms that Wyhus Ryf customers can look forward to Beat and Sandra's excellent selection.
Beat Eichmann, CEO Wyhus Ryf: Hello James, with the "Freedom vineyard," you cultivate what is probably the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world. What is the difference when tending very young or very old vines?
James Lindner, CEO Langmeil: The Freedom 1843 Shiraz is, we believe, the oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard in the world, planted by Christian Auricht in 1843. This vineyard was dry-farmed, meaning no additional water. Considering that we are in the driest state in Australia, the driest country in the world, you can understand why it has such an amazing concentration of flavor. As caretakers of these amazing pre-phylloxera old vines, we have, however, decided to have water on hand for particularly dry years. Especially for a phase consisting of several years of drought, and we see that the vines need our help to survive. So it's not just about the quality of the fruit, but also about the vines surviving and thriving in the arms of future generations.
James Lindner of Langmeil withBeat Eichmann, CEO of Wyhus, visiting Barossa Valley (from left)
These old vines are tended and pruned exclusively by hand. This always means that we lay down fresh canes that have grown in the previous season. These old vines are naturally low-yielding and are located on dark, rich loam to red clay. Situated over ironstone and limestone, it is a vineyard that we are proud to count as part of our family estate.
In contrast, younger vineyards are often set up for additional irrigation and have a higher growth rate. Although these vineyards can also produce great fruit and wines, we often need to remember the importance of the right grape variety planted in the right soil. Because only the right soil can bring out the best characteristics of each grape variety, which ultimately results in a great wine. Ultimately, it is a complex interplay of many factors.
We like to say, "It's not the old vines that make great wine, but because the vines made great wine, they get so old."
A short video where James Lindner talks about the Old Vine Garden Experience and impressively shows what an incredible and unique wine assortment Langmeil has.
Beat: The next question comes from Christian Kämpf from Lenzburg, one of our valued customers: "In Switzerland, the images of the massive forest fires in 2019/2020 are still very present in our minds. How was the climate over the last three years, especially for Langmeil in the Barossa Valley?"
James: The Barossa, like many other parts of the world, experiences fluctuations in weather. This reminds us that while we are farmers and do everything to manage our vineyards, crops, and agricultural activities, ultimately, Mother Nature plays a decisive role. Our family business at Langmeil only makes smaller productions, which always has an impact on our wines. I will try to chronologically explain everything so that one can understand what our challenges are.
2017 - The Barossa experienced a wetter and cooler (2°C) than average winter and spring with good soil moisture. The vines grew slowly but healthily, flowered mostly well, and set a good number of grapes. Temperatures were below average in December and January, there were few heat spikes, and 40 mm of rainfall, evenly distributed over four events, kept the vines healthy and ensured calm ripening. The 30-40 mm of summer rain from February 4th to 6th was followed by windy conditions and four consecutive 37°C days, which helped dry out the canopies. Additionally, soil moisture was replenished, preserving the canopies during a cooler than average summer. The rest of February remained dry, and a warm March (average maximum temperature 28°C) saw the beginning of an Indian summer that lasted until the third week of April with above-average temperatures (2.5°C). Perfect weather for grape ripening with balanced sugar and color values and natural acidity. These conditions led to a harvest three to four weeks later than in recent years. This was a kind of return to "normality." The delayed harvest allowed for slower and more uniform ripening of the grapes with a gradual accumulation of sugar and flavors, which is what we value in producing high-quality Barossa wines. Yields were about 20-30% higher than the five-year average. It was predicted that the Eden Valley Riesling would stand out this year and be another great year for Barossa Valley Shiraz, which promises to deliver a range of styles from bright and aromatic wines from the earlier picked vineyards to concentrated, intense, and well-structured wines.
2018 - Following a wet winter, spring was warmer and drier than average. Late spring and early summer were relatively mild, leading to good flowering and fruit set. There were several heat spikes in mid-to-late summer, but then a perfect autumn followed with favorable ripening conditions. Despite a later start and an earlier finish, the compressed harvest produced wines of deep color, flavor, and impeccable balance.
2020 - Was the smallest vintage in fifty years due to one of the driest growing seasons ever recorded. Spring frosts, followed by hot and windy conditions at flowering, were the reason. The heat continued into December and January, with a cooler than average February, when the reduced crop ripened quickly. The compressed vintage produced juice of great color, concentration, and flavor, making it a year for rich and full-bodied wines.
I hope you can clearly see that we never get bored in the Barossa Valley. The climatic characteristics keep us on our toes, but they are also responsible for Langmeil producing unique wines of the best quality year after year.
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You can read the rest of the interview in the second part. We recommend you check out the Langmeil range here. Order wine today and let Langmeil convince you.
