Ultimate Wine Guide 2018/19

BURGENLAND
A great view of Lake Neusiedl from
the vineyards between Neusiedl and Weiden
ZWEIGELT DIVERSITY
AND GREAT SWEET WINES
A broad assortment of white, red and sweet wines grow in 6,675 vineyard hectares
on the eastern shore of the shallow, endoheic Lake Neusiedl. Everything
from dry, crisp wines to powerful and aromatic reds to world famous sweet
wines are produced. The diversity of Zweigelt has increasingly taken centre
stage in recent years and the Neusiedlersee DAC designation of origin, introduced
in 2012, is dedicated to this indigenous variety.
Zweigelt is the predominant variety at
1,812 hectares and is bottled as a 100 %
varietal wine for Neusiedlersee DAC. A
minimum of 60 % Zweigelt is required for Neusiedlersee
Reserve DAC; only autochthonous
varieties are permitted as blending partners and
maturation is in wood.
Vines enjoy ample sunshine in wide-open vineyards
in this region. The typically hot, dry summers
and cold winters of a Pannonian climate
are moderated by Lake Neusiedl and ensure a
long vegetation period. High humidity and autumn
fog are advantageous for the dependable
appearance of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), the
precondition for the highly sought-after botrytized
sweet wines, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
These specialties have contributed
significantly to international awareness of
the Seewinkel subregion.
Highly differentiated soil structures – from loess
and chernozem to gravel and sand – permit a
diversified assortment of grapes. Welschriesling
leads among the white wine varieties, followed
by Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay
and various aromatic grapes. Blauer Zweigelt
is the top black grape and is accompanied by
Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Blauburgunder (Pinot
Noir) and international cultivars. Whether
© WSNA
282 WINE GUIDE 2018