Kracher, Nouvelle Vague Grande Cuvee Trockenbeerenauslese Nr12

About Kracher

Kracher is a distinguished Austrian wine producer based in the Seewinkel region of Burgenland, near Lake Neusiedl. The estate is especially celebrated for its exceptional sweet wines, particularly Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA), which have garnered acclaim from collectors and critics worldwide. Founded in the mid-20th century by Alois Kracher Sr., the winery rose to international prominence under the stewardship of his son, Alois Kracher Jr., whose innovative spirit and relentless pursuit of quality transformed the family business into a benchmark for dessert wines.

The unique microclimate of the Seewinkel area, characterized by warm days, cool nights, and frequent autumn mists, provides ideal conditions for the development of Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. This phenomenon is essential for producing Kracher’s signature TBAs, which are known for their remarkable concentration, balance, and aromatic complexity. The estate cultivates a variety of grapes, with Welschriesling, Chardonnay, and Scheurebe among the most important for sweet wine production. Smaller amounts of Muskat-Ottonel, Traminer, and even red varieties like Zweigelt are also grown, allowing for a diverse portfolio.

Kracher’s approach to winemaking blends traditional and modern techniques. Grapes affected by noble rot are painstakingly handpicked in multiple passes through the vineyards, ensuring only the most perfectly shriveled berries are selected. In the cellar, Alois Kracher Jr. pioneered two distinct styles: “Zwischen den Seen” (between the lakes), which emphasizes purity of fruit and is typically aged in stainless steel or large oak casks, and “Nouvelle Vague,” which incorporates new oak barriques to bring added complexity and structure. This dual approach allows the estate to showcase both the classic and innovative sides of sweet wine craftsmanship.

The Kracher estate produces a range of wines, from fresh, lively Beerenauslese and Auslese to the opulent, long-lived TBAs that have become its hallmark. In exceptional vintages, single-vineyard or single-varietal bottlings are released, often in limited quantities. These wines are known for their intense aromas of tropical fruits, honey, and spice, supported by vibrant acidity that ensures longevity and freshness despite their richness. Kracher’s TBAs have consistently received high scores from international wine publications and have played a pivotal role in putting Austrian sweet wines on the global stage.

Following the untimely death of Alois Kracher Jr. in 2007, his son Gerhard Kracher assumed leadership of the estate. Gerhard continues to honor his father’s legacy while embracing new challenges and opportunities. Under his guidance, the winery has expanded its reach, introducing dry wines and experimenting with new grape varieties and styles, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality. Kracher’s wines are exported to more than 50 countries, and the estate remains a family-run operation, with a dedicated team overseeing every aspect from vineyard management to bottling.

Kracher stands as a symbol of Austrian winemaking excellence, celebrated for its artistry in sweet wine production and its ability to balance innovation with tradition. The estate’s wines are prized for their complexity, elegance, and unmistakable sense of place, making Kracher a reference point for wine lovers and collectors seeking the very best from Austria’s vineyards.