Rohrendorf F in the Kremstal area (Lower Austria) The ancestral seat of the family is located 70 kilometres west of Vienna, in Rohrendorf, a small village in the Kremstal wine growing area, and just a stone´s throw from the Danube river. Rohrendorf is also known for its picturesque cellar street, which is the longest in Austria.
This area is characterized by a permanent exchange of air masses with differing temperatures. While in the east, continental dry and hot air comes up the Danube valley, the cool air from the Waldviertel region to the north streams down the valley of the Krems river. As a result, there are repeated, significant drops in temperatures, especially at night – something that favours, above all, the fruitiness and freshness of the wines.
The terraced vineyards of the Sepp Moser estate are composed of loess and conglomerate soils, mainly south-facing, and planted with white varietals. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and even the red Blauburgunder (Pinot noir), are cultivated on an area of 24 ha (60 acres).
Gebling Single Vineyard 8.5 ha (21 acres). The first documentation of the Gebling sites dates back to 1284 (!). It is assumed that the name originates either from the colour of the soil or from the yellow autumn leaves (as in Cote d’Or). The partly-overlapping terraces are up to 700 metres long and are south-facing. The soil consists of conglomerate rock, on which the vines Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Blauburgunder (Pinot noir) are cultivated at a slope inclination of up to 45%. The wines from Gebling are characterized by their particular minerality and expression – but despite their high maturity, they are never heavy.
Schnabel Single Vineyard 1.4 ha (4 acres). The Schnabel site is located east of Rohrendorf , and in fact, faces east as well. The upper layer of soil consists mainly of loess, while the subsoil is stony conglomerate. Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated here. The wines from the Schnabel show an extremely high maturity.
Breiter Rain Single Vineyard 2.5 ha (7 acres). The five terraces are exposed to the south and planted exclusively with Grüner Veltliner. The site is not too steep and consists of loess and conglomerate rock soils. Because Breiter Rain protrudes from the vineyard, there is resulting ventilation, and the grapes remain longer on the vine, healthy, and reach high concentrations.
Apelton at Lake Neusiedl (Burgenland) With an altitude of only 114 metres (374 feet), Apetlon is the lowest spot in Austria. At the same time, the region has the most days of sunshine in the country. Because the climate of this region is influenced by Lake Neusiedl, even various Mediterranean fruits and vegetables prosper here. And Nikolaus Moser’s ancestors had recognized that these conditions are ideal, particularly for growing grapes for red and sweet wines. The Moser Family has cultivated vineyards in Apetlon since 1960.
The soils consist of deep “Tschernosem” (black earth), with parts heavily laced with gravel – which can radiate heat well after sunset. A high proportion of humus is typical for all sites. The estate’s 27 ha (67 acres) of vineyards are flat or only slightly undulated and, apart from the most important variety by far – the Zweigelt – they are also planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Every year Pinot Blanc, Muskat Ottonel and Sämling 88 (Scheurebe) are vinified into dry white and well as dessert wines of the highest quality. Immediately after the harvest, all grapes are transported for processing to Rohrendorf, where the wines develop until they can be bottled.
Hedwighof Single Vineyard 14 ha (35 acres). The vines of these vineyards are up to 36 years old. Planted with Zweigelt in 1970, today they provide the grapes for the Zweigelt “Grosse Reserve“. Also planted here are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Reflecting the terroir, the wines tend to feature a mild salty touch. Only Hedwighof is acknowledged as a denomination for Mose's classic Zweigelt; none of the other wines have a site denomination.
Hollabern Single Vineyard 10 ha (25 acres). Since the mid-1990s, the Sepp Moser estate has leased these vineyards from the Apetlon parish. These are planted with Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Muskat Ottonel.
Fuchsenloch Single Vineyard 3 ha (7 acres). The Fuchsenloch site is considered one of Apetlon’s best. Since 2003, these vineyards have been leased and planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot blanc and Sämling 88. The structure and complexity of the soils ensure the high quality of the grapes.