The Six Kings

King Gael

Latha math or hello as they say in English, I am King Gael, a Highland cattleman and a happy resident of lush green meadows not far from Langenlois. They belong to my friend's winery. Where I graze today, the Norikers, a Celtic tribe, once farmed. I was named Gael in their honor. This means wealthy but also happy and describes me and my character quite well. Unfortunately, I'm a little shy, a big baby, my friend says, which probably has to do with the fact that I was suckled for two years. But I'm also curious, an explorer and when I get the urge for adventure, I jump over the fence and get out.

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And, King Gael, why do you like Grüner Veltliner?

I love Grüner Veltliner because of its lively acidity.

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Which dish do you recommend with your Grüner Veltliner?

I recommend Fettuccine ai funghi porcini with my Grüner Veltliner.

The Six Kings

King Lennox

Beannachdan, greetings, I am Lennox, King of the blacknose sheep at the winery in Langenlois in Kamptal. My name comes from the Celts who once lived here and means elm or, more loosely interpreted, “deeply rooted”. That's how I feel here now. Nine black-nosed companions flank me on my forays through the vineyards. Like the winemaker who owns the winery, we know every single vine; even those in the steepest vineyards, as we are excellent climbers. Our job is to mow the lawn between the vines, clean the trunks and fertilize the soil. If the grapes hang too low, we eat them and consider this a fair reward for our work. My friend has a different opinion on this.

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And, King Lennox, why do you like Grüner Veltliner?

I love Grüner Veltliner because of its subtle spiciness.

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Which dish do you recommend with your Grüner Veltliner?

I recommend homemade Gravlax with mustard-dill sauce for my Grüner Veltliner.

The Six Kings

King Airell

Haigh, the Celts used to say here and simply meant hello. Celts - or rather one of their many tribes - settled here more than 2000 years ago; including on Schanzenriedel, where close by the winemaker has his farm with cattle and sheep. I watch him sometimes, but rarely get too close to him because I'm actually quite shy. I forgot to introduce myself. I am King Airell, a nobleman in English, from the roe deer family and I live in the primeval forests of the Kamptal. They actually still exist. They are protected, crossed by beech, linden and oak trees and often slope steeply. It is always pleasantly cool here. When night falls, the cold air moves into the vineyards and keeps the grapes fresh.

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And, King Airell, why do you like Grüner Veltliner?

I love Grüner Veltliner because of its elegant body.

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Which dish do you recommend with your Grüner Veltliner?

I recommend asparagus and cheese tart with my Grüner Veltliner.

The Six Kings

King Bedran

Fáilte romhaibh, a chairde, welcome my friends, my name is King Bedran. I am a black-necked goat, black on the front and white on the back, and live at the winery in Langenlois in the Kamptal. My earliest ancestors were already at home here. They were bred by the area's inhabitants at the time, the Celts, who once inhabited the Kamptal. Bedran is an important name as it means fearless, courageous and brave. Qualities that I still have to earn. At the moment I'm more playful and cheeky. I haven't lost anything between the vines because I eat everything from the trunk to the leaves to the berries. Sometimes I am used on embankments. Above all, I ensure that the other animals are in a good mood because of my open nature.

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And, King Bedran, why do you like Grüner Veltliner?

I love Grüner Veltliner because it is so versatile and goes well with almost every meal.

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Which dish do you recommend with your Grüner Veltliner?

I recommend Wiener Schnitzel with my Grüner Veltliner.

The Six Kings

King Edgan

Madainn mhath or good morning. This greeting belongs only to me, because I am King Edgan, the rooster at the winery. I usually start crowing at five o'clock, some days it can be earlier. It is a tradition that my Celtic ancestors practiced, who were revered as sacred animals by the residents here in the Kamptal many hundreds of years ago. Unfortunately, these times are over. Today King Lennox and King Bedran find my crowing annoying, King Gael just goes back to sleep. At least I use it to give my hens legs. After they lay an egg, they go out into the vineyards. Our work is to loosen and fertilize the soil, clear the undergrowth of grass that is too tall and occasionally eat pests.

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And, King Edgan, why do you like Grüner Veltliner?

I love Grüner Veltliner because it is light-footed and yet profound.

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Which dish do you recommend with your Grüner Veltliner?

I recommend seafood paella with my Grüner Veltliner.