My Tasting Highlights – Amazing Austrian Wines from the Neusiedlersee region!
Last week I had the chance to attend a fantastic Austrian masterclass which focused on top wines from the Neusiedlersee region – an area in Southern Austria which I can’t wait to visit.
Check out the video below to see what makes this region so special and why I can’t wait to meet more winemakers from this area at next month’s Vienna Wine Fair. Excuse my ink-stained hands – my enthusiasm was so great that I broke my pen before the first wine had even been poured!
3 Main points about the Neusiedlersee region:
1. Neusiedlersee is a wine region in the Burgenland, the Southern part of Austria. Burgenland is associated with red wine and yet Neusiedlersee is unique in its diversity with 42% of its wine being red, 42% being White and 9% of its production being fantastic white wine.
2. It’s plethora of grapes is due to its incredible terroir and unique micro climate. The Neusiedlersee Lake acts as a climate regulator, it has over 2,000 hrs sunshine, a diverse number of soils and is a biodiversity hot spot which qualified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
3. One can therefore find excellent Gruner Veltliner but is also fantastic for aromatic white grapes like Pinot Gris, complex Burgundy varietals (Chardonnay and pinot Blanc), light summer reds from Zweigelt, complex age worthy red blends based on native graps as well as Bordeaux varietals ( Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) ANDit also produces sumptuous golden dessert wines made from noble rot.
We tasted a range of fantastic dry wine style MY SIX HIGHLIGHTS were
2 very different Gruner Veltliners
Ried Kreuzkapelle, Nittnaus, 2022 – for New World Sauvignon Blanc fans
From 35 yr old vineyards, this is a super tropical expression of Gruner with baked pineapple fruit, chamomile tea nuances and slight gooseberry and herbaceous lift.
13.00 Vagabond Wines
Figaro Alte Reben, Salzl, 2021 – for lovers of richer, toastier whites
From 60yr old vines, further South in the region, rejoice in golden baked apple fruit encased in salted cindered toffee, hazelnut undertones and a satiny texture.
12.00 North South Wines
A Pinot Gris option:
Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Ried Goldberg, Georg Presinger
Fermented in large oak barrels, this is discerning hedonism epitomized. Nectarine fruit combines with floral spice and is rounded out with a slight peach crème fraiche softness.
20.00 Good Wine Good People
2 expressions of Zweigelt (the native red grape which is comparable to Pinot Noir)
Zweigelt, Munzenrieder Wines, 2020
Gorgeously succulent and juicy wine. Brimming with bright cherries and crystalline redcurrant jelly ripeness. The clove spice enlivens the rich fruit and the silky texure makes this an incredibly moreish wine – serve with grilled meats, levantine cuisine or a cheeseburger!
15.00 GOOD WINE GOOD PEOPLE
Zweigelt, Seegut Lentsch, 2021
A more serious, complex expression of Zweigelt. Think of it as an Italianate version with grainy tannins, crunchy brambly fruit and energetic acidity.
27.00 Good wine Good People
A Classic, Age worthy red Blend
Cuvee Admiral, Weingut Pockl, 2020
My family and I have admired red wine from Pockl for many years. This is a gorgeous blend of Zweigelt (60%) and Merlot (20%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). Mulled dark plum fruit is underlined with licorice spice, plush tannins and a slight umami, savoury finish. Tasting fantastic now but could easily age for another few years. This has been an iconic wine from Pockl for 30 years and it’s clear to see why!
40.00 Soma Wines
Pic is of me with Rene Pockl, winemaker at Weingut Pockl.