2020 · Ried Silberbichl 1ÖTW – Riesling

Malat is a family wine estate in Niederösterreich’s Kremstal, rooted in Furth/Palt bei Göttweig and documented since 1722. Now led by Michael Malat, who vinifies each wine himself, the estate draws on generations of experience while stressing that each vintage demands its own decisions. Malat is especially noted as a pioneer of Austrian grower sparkling wine: Gerald Malat produced the first estate Sekt in 1976 using the traditional method, and this remains a core focus, with long lees aging bringing elegance, finesse and mineral depth. The winery also produces terroir-driven still wines from diverse Danube-influenced sites and historic vineyards, including Erste Lage holdings. Sustainability includes biodiversity work in the vineyards, with flowering strips for pollinators and collaboration with a local beekeeper.