Idyllic Landscape. Expressive Red Wines

One of Austria´s smallest wine-growing areas has plenty to offer. Indeed, excellent terroir wines are produced from only 500 hectares of vineyards, which are situated mainly on the Eisenberg. The typical red wines of the area, particularly Blaufränkisch, exude a mineral-based spicy flavour. Elegant and savoury whites make their mark as well, as does the quaint and unusual Uhudler wine.

The Südburgenland is astounding in many ways. One is the structure of the area´s wine estates. Most are run by part-time wine-growers; there are only a few large estates operating here. Produce is sold in many Buschenschanks, some quaint, some noble, yet all of them situated in a truly picturesque landscape. It is clear to see why the area is also known as theSüdburgenland - Map  "Weinidylle", or wine idyll.

Although the Pannonian climate prevails here, too, the landscape actually resembles that of the Steiermark (Styria). By following the Pinkataler wine route, beginning at Rechnitz in the north (with Welschrieslings, Pinots and other fresh and fruity whites), you will reach Deutsch-Schützen and Güssing. Here, the soils are mainly of sandy clay. And one special vineyard site, the Eisenberg, must be mentioned. Shaped like a cauldron, it fully embraces the warmth streaming in from the south. And its name - Eisenberg – even evokes images of heavy, ferrous soils that bestow to the dominant Blaufränkisch grape a minerally, finesse-rich note. Ultimately, the wines here are original and individualistic, even idiosyncratic, perfectly reflecting their vineyard site, its soil and its climate. Especially young wine-growers around Deutsch-Schützen excel in the art of wine-making.

But there are also wine enclaves, such as Csaterberg, near Kohfidisch. Another, and perhaps better-known, is Heiligenbrunn, home of the Uhudler wine. This picturesque village with thatched-roof cellars has, time and again, attracted curiosity with its wines made from ungrafted vines or from the crossing of hybrids with European vines. The distinct aroma of the white, rosé and red wines here is reminiscent of wild strawberries. The acidity is special as well.

Indeed, the area is still a kind of undiscovered insider tip: romantic and dreamy, and far away from the well-known wine centres. Nevertheless, the young wine-growers here still ooze with a “get-up-and-go” drive. Equally, the thermal spas dotting the area, and the theatre festivals held in the castle of Güssing, are attracting more tourists, but thankfully doing so without harm to the atmosphere.