Neusiedlersee Wine Region

The unique wine appellation Neusiedlersee in Burgenland has become worthy of the attention of connoisseurs over the past 10 years. A wide variety of grapes ripen in over 7000 ha of vineyards on the shores of Lake Neusiedler. Neusiedlersee got the status of the appellation in 2012 and since then Neusiedlersee DAC has been presenting fruity and harmonious red wines from the Zweigelt variety and sweet white wines made from botrytized grapes. From 2020 Neusiedlersee also produces wines in the "Reserve" category. All this is thanks to the uniqueness of the climate and soil and of course the incredible work of the winemakers.

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Where is Neusiedlersee wine region?

The Neusiedlersee DAC includes the administrative district of Neusiedl-am-See, with the exception of the communes of Winden and Jois. It stretches from the northern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee through the eastern shore and covers an area of nearly 7000 hectares, of which most parts are reserved for Zweigelt, Austria's most popular red grape variety. Wine-producing towns include Neusiedl and Gols on the northern shore, Andau, Frauenkirchen, and Monchhof in the eastern part of the region, and small characteristic communes in the south – Podersdorf, Ilmitz, Apetlon, and Pamhagen.

Austrian wine region with a continental character

Neusiedlersee is one of the main wine-growing centers of the Burgenland wine region. Due to the long growing season with dry summers and cold winters, the vines grow in a favorable climate. The high humidity creates ideal conditions for the noble rot needed in the production of dessert wines, such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese made from the Welschrisling variety.

Most of the vineyards are located in the heart of the Neusiedlersee-Seewinkel National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the low slopes of the plateau near the town of Parndorf, mainly white and red varieties with a rich taste grow.

The temperate climate, 300 sunny days a year, the prevailing soil types like gravel, loess, black earth, and sand, ideal land, and the experience of working for centuries allow all wine producers in Neusiedlersee to keep the brand of a top-class wine region.

Neusiedlersee wines - Wines that enchants

The sweet wines of Neusiedlersee are the national pride of the Austrians. The mists that rise in autumn from the surface of the Neusiedlersee Lake create ideal conditions for the formation of noble rot in the nearby vineyards. Dessert wines Trockenbeerenauslese or TBA is among the most expensive sweet wines in the world. Another local specialty is strohwein, a wine made from sun-dried grapes. Eiswein, which is made from frozen grapes, is also considered the best of its kind. Wines are also made from late-harvest grapes and are called spatlese an auslese.

The dominant white wine varieties are Welschriesling and Weisburgunder. Welschriesling produces a wine with generous acidity and a fruity bouquet, exuding notes of green apple and lemon. Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese styles have a golden yellow hue, the bouquet is filled with tones of exotic fruits, and there is a subtle honey note in the taste along with the characteristic acidity.

Wines from Weissburgunder have blooming flavors and piquant acidity, while mature versions usually develop bread and nut tones. Maturation is slow, and the highest quality is achieved after long aging in the bottle.

A classic variety for the production of red wines in Neusiedlersee is Zweigelt. Zweigelt was bred in the 20s of the last century by crossing Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. It is resistant to diseases and tolerates frost well. Its wines are distinguished by the aromas of red cherries with delicate herbal, earthy and spicy notes. Most of the Zweigelt goes to the production of light wines that need to be drunk young. But there are also interesting examples of Zweigelt aged in barrels, as well as assemblage with other red varieties. Also in local vineyards, it can be found St. Laurent and Blauburgunder in a wide range.

Grape Varieties of Neusiedlersee Wine region

Zweigelt grape is the prominent grapes variety cultivated in the Neusiedlersee wine region accounting for more than 70% of total grape production. Other grape varieties grown in the region are Blaufrankish, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Gruner Veltliner, Saint Laurent, Pinot Noir, Welschriesling, Scheurebe, and Muscat.

Grains of taste: what to eat with Neusiedlersee wine

The deep fruity character of Neusiedlersee wines are ideal for classic Pannonian cuisine, such as beef strips Geschnetzeltes in sauce or Christmas goose Martinigansl, especially served with dumplings, red cabbage, and chestnuts.

Wines from the category Reserve are perfectly combined with stews, game dishes, or hearty beef dishes. Being well-balanced, the Neusiedlersee DAC wines are equally recommended for international cuisine.

Places to visit in Neusiedlersee

Lake Neusiedler - Pearl of Eastern Austria

Neusiedlersee is the largest lake of natural origin in Central Europe. The main attraction of Lake Neusiedlersee is its landscape and scenery. Here you can simply admire nature, walk through the coastal towns, in which a large number of ancient architecture has been preserved. And there is also a nice little town with a bunch of boarding houses and cafes in the very north of the lake. People come here to relax on the beach (it is quite wide and well-maintained here), do surfing and sailing.

National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel - Eco-tourism Treasure

National Park Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, the only steppe park in Central Europe, is located on the south-eastern shore of the lake. The total area of the national park is 20 000 hectares. While hiking along the convenient hiking trails, in the thickets of reeds and swamps, you can discover many birds of different species. The park attracts many travelers, especially eco-tourists and bird lovers.

If you like to track birds with binoculars and a camera, then this is a great chance for you to add to your collections. There are up to 280 species of birds, and in the autumn there are also migratory birds. The lake is very rich in fishes such as carp, walleye, pike etc.

Rust - Town of Winemaking Traditions and Storks on the Roofs

Rust is a city with the rights of an administrative district in the Austrian state of Burgenland. A city of winegrowers, a treasure trove of ancient architecture stands among the green hills on the west bank of the Neusiedlersee. The modest charm of Rust is created by old colored facades and cobbled streets, tiled roofs and numerous stork nests on the roofs of residential buildings. Rust is recognized as the most beautiful city in Burgenland. The most outstanding historical object of the city is the medieval Church of the Fishermen.

We hope you will try the memorable wines that make Neusiedlersee a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide. Explore our site to discover what Wineries in Neusiedlersee have to offer to prepare for your winery visits today. Find out more about Wine Tasting and Tours in Neusiedlersee.

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