simply organic is too simple
Respekt is an association of 15
members from 3 countries, and based
in Austria. It has dedicated itself to
produce wine of pristine quality by
employing bio-dynamical methods.
Having the deepest respect for the
elements of earth, water, air, light and
fire, as well as soil, flora, fauna and human beings, our goal is to preserve our
autonomy and sovereignty.
At the same time, we also think about
our children, our offspring and our
nature. We secure existences by providing healthy living and working conditions, treating co-workers respectfully and maintaining relationships with
our partners and clients.
We protect and preserve nature with
all its elements and creatures inhabiting it.
simply organic is too simple
How do Respekt wines
taste like?
Respekt wines are characterized by a unique style consisting of a moderate alcohol level
depending on the vintage, complex body with good acidity. Their aging potential is excellent,
and their terroir character highly pronounced. Above all, they are authentic and individualistic wines.
How do I know that it is a
Respekt wine?
There is a special Respekt sign on the label of every bottle. This sign is only given to wines
which have been certified according to the Respekt conditions. In doing so, we can guarantee that these wines are produced bio-dynamically and that they meet our extremely high
requirements of quality.
Why is Respekt more than
organic and bio-dynamic?
Because, on the one hand, we impose on ourselves much stricter conditions than regular
organic farming does. On the other hand, we can combine our knowledge of wine-growing
with the philosophy of bio-dynamic farming. And eventually, because we not only focus
on producing wine all by ourselves, but try to incorporate our family, friends, co-workers,
partners and clients in the process.
What laws is Respekt
subject to?
Predominately to the ones we created in 2007. These laws are based on the local and national standards, as well as the transnational regulation of the European Union, for example
Regulation no. 834/2007, the Regulation on Production and Labeling of ecological/organic
products.
What does Respekt think
of Rudolf Steiner?
Our work is based on a combination of Rudolf Steiner’s ideas and modern agro ecological
concepts, as well as our personal experience with working bio-dynamically for the last years.
What does Respekt think
of technology?
Certain technological inventions and tools have become indispensable nowadays. That is why
nobody can expect us to work without a tractor or pneumatic pruning devices. However, we
try to go for the most gentle and environmentally friendly way whenever it is possible.
Where do you grow?
How do you support
biodiversity?
In plain terms: ‘only grow where it suits’, meaning to consider the local and regional conditions, respect soil and microclimate, and work with indigenous, traditional grape varieties
instead of imported foreign ones.
It actually supports itself because here, our co-workers are all the worms, ants, bees and butterflies in nature. In return, we support them by putting up nest boxes, sowing green areas,
cultivating natural banks and replanting trees.
simply organic is too simple
How do you cultivate soil
fertility?
How do you treat your
vines?
What kind of bio-dynamic
compounds do you use?
What kind of teas do you
spray?
How do you take care of
pests, vermin and other
diseases?
How much copper and
sulfur is allowed?
Do you use selected
yeasts?
What do you think of
genetically modified
organisms?
How do you become a
member of Respekt?
In order to sustain soil fertility, we focus on four principles: mild soil treatment, adjusted
greening, spraying of natural substances like nettle tea, cow dung compounds, and applying
compost as fertilizers.
We work them carefully and, more importantly, manually, according to phases of the moon
and the weather. To improve the vines’ immune response, we spray tea and other natural
substances.
On the soil, we use cow dung and gravel in horns. Concerning compost, we use stinging
nettle, chamomile, yarrow, oak bark and valerian. These compounds have a balancing and
cleaning effect on the vineyards. Before usage, the soil compounds are stirred in water up to
one hour so that it can carry the intensity and information to the vineyards.
Stinging nettle, field horsetail, camomile, birch, yarrow, dung (hot, moderate, cold or strewn).
If the fertility and diversity of the soil is ideal, there are hardly any diseases at all. However,
if extreme weather conditions force us to react, we are allowed to use baking powder, clay,
essential oils, pheromones, sulfur and copper.
If we have to, we always try to use as little as possible and here up to 50% of the amount that
is normally used in organic growing. Copper is the compound we try to minimize the most
which is to say 0.16 gram copper per unit area and year.
All Respekt-produced wines are fermented naturally. For dry whites, selected yeasts are allowed after having started the fermentation naturally.
Nothing at all. We strongly oppose everything that has to do with genetic engineering.
Respekt is an open club. Every member has the right to introduce a new potential member.
If admitted, one has to work 3 years (2 for wineries that already are organic) according to
the Respekt standards to be qualified. This process of modification consists of 7 aspects: Appropriate location of production, biodiversity, soil fertility, plant care, animal care, treatment
of weed, vermin and diseases, and general management measures.
simply organic is too simple
Why a club?
For how long has Respekt
been around?
Together we can simply achieve more. We founded this club to learn, teach and support
each other. Respekt is not a brand but a group of like-minded people who, although inspired
by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, tries to define their ideal way of working independently
and sustainably in theory and field. Respekt is always looking for an open, professional and
friendly contact with other people.
The first steps were taken in 2005, and the club was founded in 2007. The first Respekt
vintage was 2009 and the official launch at the VieVinum in 2012.
How big is Respekt?
The Respekt wineries are working approximately 500 hectare which is 15% of the total area
of organic wine growing in Austria.
How is Respekt different
from Demeter
Based on our knowledge about wine, Respekt is, unlike Demeter, a bio-dynamic association
that is focused exclusively on winegrowing.
Who is Respekt?
Paul Achs,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Fred Loimer,
Kamptal, Österreich
Judith Beck,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Hans und Anita Nittnaus,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Kurt Feiler/Feiler-Artinger,
Neusiedlersee-Hügelland, Österreich
Bernhard Ott,
Wagram, Österreich
Karl Fritsch,
Wagram, Österreich
Gerhard Pittnauer,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Michael Goëss-Enzenberg/Manincor,
Südtirol, Italien
Claus Preisinger,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Andreas Gsellmann,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Franz Weninger,
Mittelburgenland, Österreich,
Sopron/Balf, Ungarn
Gernot Heinrich,
Neusiedlersee, Österreich
Fritz Wieninger,
Wien, Österreich
Hannes Hirsch,
Kamptal, Österreich
simply organic is too simple