The Burgenland province shatters the cliché that only white wines are produced in this Austrian province. Here, red wine is the specialty of the producers, with Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt being the stars.

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 like Zweigelt and exceptionally balanced dessert wines from Welschriesling.

On the western side of Neusiedl, the low hills of Leithaberg rise, where Blaufränkisch wines are a local specialty. The small town of Rust is primarily known as the home of the Austrian Wine Academy. Here, you can also enjoy the magical local dessert wine specialty, Ausbruch. Among the white wines in the region, the typical Burgenland varieties Grüner Veltliner and Neuburger are mainly produced.

Thanks to the influence of the Pannonian climate, the region focuses on full-bodied, structured red wines from Blaufränkisch, which are often aged in oak barrels.

Winemaking:
Over the last three decades, the winemaking process has undergone significant development. Methods and technical conditions have improved, and the younger generation of producers are focusing on organic and biodynamic practices in their vineyards. In the past, small oak barrels were fashionable, but they are gradually giving way to the use of large and old oak vessels. Stainless steel vessels are also particularly popular. The result of all these changes are complex and elegant wines of world-class quality.

Soils:
Burgenland is a vast region with diverse soils – limestone, schist, gravel, gneiss are just some of this variety, which naturally leads to the birth of wines with specific minerality and good structure.

Climate:
The Burgenland region typically enjoys sunny summers with hot winds. Thanks to the alternation of dry and humid air around it, Neusiedl is responsible for one of the main features of the local microclimate. Welschriesling occupies the areas immediately next to the shallow lake, whose waters often reach 30°C during the hot summer. In the mild autumn, the resulting mists and subsequent sunny days help in the development of noble rot, which determine 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 moderate. This is also reflected in the more delicate, mineral character and high acidity of the local Blaufränkisch.

Explore the entire collection of white and red wines from the Burgenland region in Austria.