Burgenland region, Austria
The province of Burgenland breaks the cliché that only white wines are produced in this Austrian province. Here, red wine is a specialty of the producers, and the stars are Blaufrenkisch and Zweigelt.
Located on the border with Hungary, the region is one of the flattest parts of Austria. The warm Pannonian climate contributes to the successful cultivation of red varieties. The area around Lake Neusiedl produces both characteristic red wines such as Zweigelt and the exceptionally balanced dessert wines from Welschriesling.
On the west side of Neusiedl rise the low hills of Leitaberg, where Blaufrenkis wines are a local specialty. The small town of Rust is known primarily as the seat of the Austrian Wine Academy. You can also enjoy the magical local dessert wine specialty Ausbruch here. Among the white wines in the region are produced mainly the typical Burgenland varieties Gruner Veltliner and Neuburger.
Due to the influence of the Pannonian climate, the region relies on dense, structured red wines from Blaufrenkis, which are often aged in oak barrels.
Vinification:
Over the last three decades, the winemaking process has undergone serious development. Methods and technical conditions are improving, and the young generation of producers are relying on biological and biodynamic practices in their vineyards. In the past, small oak barrels were in vogue, but gradually the use of large and old oak vessels gave way. Stainless steel stainless steel cookware is also very popular. The result of all the changes are complex and elegant wines on a world level.
Soils:
Burgenland is a vast region with a variety of soils - limestone, shale, gravel, gneiss are just part of this diversity, which naturally leads to the birth of wines with a specific minerality and good structure.
Climate:
The Burgenland region usually enjoys sunny summers with hot winds. Due to the alternation of dry and humid air around it, Neusiedl is the reason for one of the main features of the local microclimate. Welsh Riesling takes its place next to the shallow lake, whose waters often reach 30 ° C in the hot summer. During the mild autumn, the formed fogs and the subsequent sunny days contribute to the development of noble mold, which determines the character and unique taste qualities of the dessert wine. In the southernmost part of Burgenland is the Eisenberg region, where the climate is more temperate. This is reflected in the more delicate, mineral character and high acidity of the local Blaufrenkish.
View the entire collection of white and red wines from the Burgenland region of Austria.
