Chardonnay
The world's most popular white wine grape. Native to Burgundy, it shows diverse expressions from the crisp acidity of Chablis to the rich style of California, depending on region and winemaking.
Austria's easternmost state, bordering Hungary. Warmed by Lake Neusiedl, it is one of the country's leading red wine regions. Blaufränkisch is the star, while noble-rot sweet wines are made around the lake. Each district's character is expressed through its own DAC appellation.
Climate / Soil
- Climate
- Pannonian climate (hot, dry summers and cold winters, moderated by Lake Neusiedl)
- Soil
- Limestone (Leitha limestone), Schist, Loess, Clay
Appellations
- Leithaberg DAC
- Mittelburgenland DAC
- Eisenberg DAC
- Neusiedlersee DAC
- Rosalia DAC
- Ruster Ausbruch DAC
History
Wine has long been made here, and the lakeside town of Rust won fame in the 17th century for its noble-rot Ausbruch. Part of Hungary until 1921, the region then became Austrian. After the 1985 wine scandal it turned decisively toward quality, and old-vine Blaufränkisch is now recognised as one of Austria's signature reds.
Sommelier Note
Burgenland Blaufränkisch layers concentrated dark fruit with taut acidity and black-pepper spice. Soil speaks clearly here: limestone in Leithaberg brings tight precision, while the iron-rich schist of Eisenberg gives wilder depth. Try it with roast duck or dishes lifted with sansho pepper.
Key Varieties
Pinot Blanc
A white member of the Pinot family. Its gentle fruit recalls Chardonnay but stays more restrained and softer on the palate. In Alsace it serves both as an everyday food wine and as a base for Crémant d'Alsace.
Zweigelt
A cross of St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Bright cherry fruit and soft tannins give a light, easy red. Its cold hardiness has made it important not only in Austria but also in Japan's Hokkaido.
Blaufränkisch
Central Europe's signature black grape. Concentrated dark fruit is framed by lively acidity and black-pepper spice. Its tannins are firm yet fine-grained, and it reflects its soil with great clarity. It is known as Lemberger in Germany and Kékfrankos in Hungary.