A Veltliner brandy matured in oak barrels with finesse, great complexity and spicy finish with well-integrated alcohol content.
Origin: The distillation of wine has a long tradition at Domäne Wachau. Provost Hieronymus Übelbacher, builder of the Cellar Palace, wrote about Wachau “Prandewein” (brandy) over 300 years ago. The current distillery was constructed in the 1960s. Great experience in the art of distillation has been collected over the years and is still conscientiously practiced today. Domäne Wachau offers an impressive collection of decades-old brandies that have matured for many years in barrels and now slumber in the Baroque Cellar Palace at the foot of the Kellerberg vineyard.
Distillation: The brandy is distilled twice in copper pot stills without the addition of sugar, aroma, or foreign alcohol. During the distillation process, the first highly potent “head” that begins to flow is discarded, as is the concluding “tail” of the distillation that contains impurities. It is only the heart of the first distillation, also called “low wines” that are distilled a second time. The highly aromatic and concentrated “heart” of the second distillation is the fine brandy that is matured in small oak barrels for 22 years.
Ageing: During the years of storage in small oak barrels, the XA22 matures into a mildly spicy, finesse-rich brandy. During this time, it naturally changes colour to a brownish-amber distillate.
Sensory features: The XA 22 is a spicy brandy of great finesse with a pleasingly mild and mellow fragrance with aromas ranging from subtle vanilla to walnut and caramel. Flavours of sweet oak and intense fruity spice are clearly defined on the palate and culminate in a long harmonious finish. Serve slightly under room temperature at about 19°C (66°F) for the maximum flavour experience. Enjoy XA22 with dark chocolate mousse, Créme Caramel or blue cheese. Tobacco aficionados should choose a mild to medium intense cigar.
