Burgenland

Austria's Red Wine Playground

Burgenland is Austria's easternmost wine wonderland and one of its most exciting regions. Basking in the hot, continental Pannonian climate, it's where Austria breaks free from its Grüner Veltliner white wine reputation to showcase bold reds, alongside some surprisingly complex whites and sweet wines that will make your taste buds dance.

Regional Character:
Burgenland's terroir is like a patchwork quilt of wine possibilities. The clay-rich soils of Mittelburgenland (affectionately called "Blaufränkischland") give birth to powerful, spicy Blaufränkisch that can age beautifully. Meanwhile, the limestone and slate of the Leitha Range create the perfect home for both structured reds and mineral-driven whites. Down south, the Eisenberg's iron-rich soils craft Blaufränkisch with such elegance and perfume you might mistake them for Burgundy's sophisticated cousins.

Beyond Blaufränkisch:
While red wines might steal the spotlight, Burgenland's whites also deserve their moment in the limelight. The Leithaberg's limestone soils work magic with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder), creating wines with a mouthwatering mineral core and impressive complexity. Don't overlook the region's Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and the indigenous Neuburger either. And let's not forget the sweet wines of Seewinkel and Rust – these noble-rot affected treasures are liquid gold that can outlive most of us!

To Sum It All Up...
Whether you're sipping a powerful Blaufränkisch, a mineral-charged white, or a honeyed sweet wine, you're experiencing a region that's been crafting exceptional wines since Cistercian monks first planted vines in the 13th century. A visit? Highly recommended.

Lesson Summary

Burgenland, Austria's easternmost wine wonderland, showcases bold red wines, complex whites, and sweet wines in a hot, continental climate. The region's terroir offers a diverse range of wine possibilities:

• Mittelburgenland's clay-rich soils produce powerful, spicy Blaufränkisch wines.
• Leitha Range's limestone and slate create structured reds and mineral-driven whites.
• Eisenberg's iron-rich soils craft elegant, perfumed Blaufränkisch wines.

While Blaufränkisch wines take center stage, Burgenland's whites shine as well, with:

• Leithaberg's limestone soils enhancing Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc with mineral complexity.
• Other noteworthy whites include Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Neuburger.
• The region's sweet wines from Seewinkel and Rust are described as liquid gold.

Overall, whether enjoying a Blaufränkisch, a mineral-driven white, or a honeyed sweet wine, you're immersing yourself in a region with a rich winemaking history dating back to the 13th century. A visit to Burgenland comes highly recommended for a full wine experience.

Lesson Summary

Burgenland in Austria is a fascinating wine region known for its diverse offerings including bold reds, complex whites, and exquisite sweet wines influenced by the hot Pannonian climate.

• The region's terroir offers a range of possibilities with clay-rich soils in Mittelburgenland producing powerful Blaufränkisch, limestone and slate in the Leitha Range yielding structured reds and mineral-driven whites, and iron-rich soils in the Eisenberg crafting elegant Blaufränkisch.
• While Blaufränkisch takes the spotlight, Burgenland's whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Neuburger are noteworthy. Sweet wines from Seewinkel and Rust, influenced by noble rot, are considered liquid gold.
• Visitors can enjoy a variety of exceptional wines with a history dating back to the 13th century, making a visit to Burgenland highly recommended.