Burgenland

• Blaufränkisch: Full-bodied reds with dark berry flavors, lively acidity, and spicy, peppery notes; especially expressive in Mittelburgenland and Eisenberg DACs.
• Zweigelt: Juicy, medium-bodied reds with ripe cherry fruit and a touch of spice; often enjoyed solo or blended for easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing styles.
• Chardonnay & Pinot Blanc: Whites ranging from fresh and vibrant to rich and creamy; often showing stone fruit and a distinctive mineral finish, especially from Leithaberg DAC.
• Grüner Veltliner & Welschriesling: Crisp, fruit-driven whites; Grüner offers soft, rounded texture, while Welschriesling shines in both lively dry wines and world-class sweet wines.
• Noble Sweet Wines: Luscious, long-lived dessert wines like Ruster Ausbruch, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese, famed for their balance and complexity.

Burgenland's unique terroir is shaped by the Pannonian Plain, offering hot summers and cold winters, ideal for ripening red grapes at northern latitudes. As Austria's sunniest wine region, it enjoys about 2,000 hours of sunlight annually. Lake Neusiedl acts as a natural heat regulator, extending the ripening season and fostering noble rot for sweet wines.

The region's diverse soils, from clay and loam to limestone and shale, contribute to the distinct character of its wines. Higher elevations and cooler night temperatures help preserve acidity, crucial for both reds and whites. The varied geography—from flatlands to hilly terrains—supports a mosaic of microclimates, each enhancing the complexity and richness of Burgenland's exceptional wines.

Burgenland, Austria's sunniest wine region, boasts a vibrant winemaking scene. Here's a glimpse of its notable wineries:

• Kracher: Renowned for sweet wines, Alois Kracher's legacy continues with his son Gerhard, who also explores dry styles in Illmitz.
• Heidi Schröck: Based in Rust, she revives the Ruster Ausbruch tradition and crafts lively Blaufränkisch and Furmint.
• Moric: Roland Velich champions Blaufränkisch, producing terroir-driven reds in Mittelburgenland's premier sites.
• Gernot & Heike Heinrich: Leaders in biodynamic and natural wines, they create unique reds and whites around Lake Neusiedl.
• Gut Oggau: Known for their organic wines with character, each bottle is labeled with a fictional family member's face, adding a touch of whimsy.

Burgenland is at the forefront of sustainable winemaking, with many vineyards adopting organic and biodynamic practices. This Austrian region benefits from a warm, dry climate, making eco-friendly viticulture feasible and effective. By 2023, Austria had 24% of its vineyards certified organic, leading globally. Burgenland contributes significantly, thanks to its innovative winemakers who view vineyards as ecosystems. They use cover crops and compost to enrich the soil and promote biodiversity, enhancing vine health and resilience.

In the winery, low-intervention techniques are popular. Many producers let native yeasts handle fermentation and avoid unnecessary additives, emphasizing the natural character of their wines. Investments in energy-efficient technology, supported by grants, further highlight the region’s commitment to sustainability. This approach not only protects the environment but also ensures economic stability, with family-run wineries fostering community and tradition across generations.

Burgenland, a rising star in European wine tourism, offers a perfect blend of quality wine, landscapes, and cultural history. Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhances its wine microclimate and provides activities like cycling and birdwatching.

The 133 km bike loop around the lake showcases charming wine villages, while many wineries offer tastings and e-bike rentals. The Weinstraße Burgenland connects numerous cellar doors, offering guided tours and regional food pairings. Events like the Martiniloben festival highlight the region's vibrant wine culture.

Burgenland’s tourism board promotes its culinary and cultural treasures alongside its wines, with local wine taverns serving traditional dishes. Investments in hospitality, such as Weingut Scheiblhofer’s The Resort, encourage longer stays. Burgenland’s wine tourism scene thrives on its scenic beauty, winemaking traditions, and welcoming spirit, making it a top destination where each glass tells a story.