Burgenland

• Blaufränkisch: Burgenland’s signature red, full-bodied with dark berry fruit, peppery spice, and firm tannins; complex and expressive, especially from single-vineyard sites.
• Zweigelt: Juicy, medium-bodied reds with vibrant cherry flavors and a touch of spice; often enjoyed young or blended for added depth.
• St. Laurent & Pinot Noir: Elegant, aromatic reds with red berry, floral, and earthy nuances; particularly refined in cooler Leitha Hills locations.
• International Red Blends: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon lend structure and richness to select reserve cuvées, showing dark fruit and subtle oak influence.
• Grüner Veltliner: Expressive, full-bodied whites with orchard fruit, white pepper, and a rounder profile than in cooler regions.
• Chardonnay (Morillon) & Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc): From mineral-driven, dry Leithaberg DAC blends to richer, Burgundian-inspired styles; ripe stone fruit and a stony, saline finish.
• Welschriesling: Crisp, lively whites with citrus and green apple; also the backbone for the region’s world-class, botrytized sweet wines.
• Traminer & Muskat-Ottonel: Intensely aromatic whites produced in small quantities, exuding floral, spicy, and exotic fruit notes.
• Sweet Wines (Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Ruster Ausbruch): Lusciously sweet, concentrated, and age-worthy—primarily from Welschriesling, Chardonnay, and Muskat Ottonel, marked by vibrant acidity and complex botrytis character.

Burgenland enjoys a sun-drenched climate, pivotal in crafting its diverse wine portfolio. The region experiences warm days tempered by cool nights, a diurnal shift that intensifies grape flavors while preserving crisp acidity. This climatic balance is particularly favorable for red varietals like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, culminating in wines that are both deep and intricate. The region's terroir is equally diverse, featuring mineral-rich Leitha limestone, sandy loam, and gravelly soils around Neusiedlersee. This array of soil types imparts a distinctive character to Burgenland wines, supporting an impressive spectrum from robust reds to aromatic whites and sumptuous sweet wines. These conditions enable winemakers to produce wines that reflect both the geographical and cultural essence of this Austrian region.

Burgenland, nestled between the final slopes of the Alps and Hungary, has swiftly become a vibrant hub for wine tourism in Europe. The region is renowned for its diverse wine offerings, including robust reds like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, and world-class sweet wines such as Ruster Ausbruch. Visitors are drawn to its scenic landscapes, like the picturesque Lake Neusiedl, which creates a unique microclimate for winemaking. The area boasts a rich blend of Austrian and Hungarian traditions, evident in its culinary and cultural offerings. With cycling routes, like the 133 km loop around Lake Neusiedl, and guided birdwatching tours in Seewinkel National Park, wine tourism in Burgenland offers an immersive experience that combines nature with the pleasures of wine. The region's commitment to sustainability adds another layer to its appeal. Many wineries are embracing organic and biodynamic farming, contributing to the global reputation of Austria as a leader in eco-friendly viticulture. Burgenland's wineries offer a mix of rustic charm and modern sophistication, with tasting events and wine roads connecting visitors to the heart of its winemaking culture. The state capital, Eisenstadt, and towns like Rust and Gols, offer festival parades and open cellar events throughout the year. With local wine taverns serving traditional dishes paired with local wines, Burgenland has effectively cultivated a wine tourism scene where every visit is a celebration of its rich heritage and innovative spirit.

Austrian Burgenland has emerged as a dynamic wine region where traditional family estates and innovative newcomers collectively elevate its global standing. From sweet wine pioneers to red wine revolutionaries, these wineries play a pivotal role in Burgenland’s success:

• Kracher: Renowned worldwide for exquisite Trockenbeerenauslesen, this family estate in Illmitz, led by Gerhard Kracher, excels in both sweet and dry wines.
• Heidi Schröck: An influential figure in Rust, celebrated for reviving the Ruster Ausbruch style and producing vibrant Furmint and Blaufränkisch wines.
• Michael Wenzel: Known for blending tradition and innovation in Rust with classic Ausbruch and cutting-edge natural wines, including skin-fermented whites.
• Moric by Roland Velich: A pioneer of the Blaufränkisch revolution, Velich crafts terroir-driven wines with remarkable purity and depth from Neckenmarkt and Lutzmannsburg.
• Weingut Weninger: Franz Weninger leads this biodynamic estate in Horitschon, highlighting vineyard specificity and the diverse expressions of Blaufränkisch.
• Pannobile Group: A collective of nine Gols winemakers, including Anita & Hans Nittnaus and Gernot Heinrich, known for championing local varieties and producing acclaimed red blends.
• Weingut Heinrich: Gernot and Heike Heinrich produce biodynamic wines in Gols, renowned for their unfiltered red blends and refined Leithaberg DAC whites.
• Judith Beck: Esteemed for naturally fermented Blaufränkisch and intriguing orange wines, she brings a fresh perspective to Burgenland’s offerings from her Gols-based winery.