Bercher’s originality is to offer an education in the influence of volcanic soils (Burkheim) versus loess (Jechtingen). In 2016, as in 2014, we narrowly preferred the fervid pungency of Burkheim as it influenced the Pinot Blanc. This is an imposing, palpably mineral wine that nonetheless has plenty of flesh on its manly bones. Wines like this lend support to the notion that Austria has a serious rival to its claim to make the world’s best Pinots Blancs!