On the western shore of the Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl) are 3,900 hectares of vineyards which yield some of Austria’s most multi-layered wines. Many of the best white wines of Burgenland come from the highly situated sites on the slope of the Leithagebirge with its chalky soils. But also Blaufränkisch growing throughout the area matures into fine red terroir wines. The Ruster Ausbruch - one of the world’s most famous sweet wines - has been for centuries the icon of the region’s wine identity.

 

Topographically, climatically and geologically, the wine-growing area of Neusiedlersee-Hügelland shows great diversity - and produces perfect terroir wines. White wines feature mainly the Pinot varieties, but also specialities like Sauvignon Blanc and the traditional Furmint show their finesse and esprit. And even growing on patches of primary rock near Donnerskirchen are none other than Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. In the red wine arena is everything from Blaufränkisch, which yields fine wines produced by big names, to the sensitive and elegant Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir).

 

From north to south lie three very different wine-growing communities. On the south-facing slopes of the Leithagebirge - one of the last foothills of the Alps, stretching from Breitenbrunn to Großhöflein near Eisenstadt - are soils of mica schist and chalk, which is ideal for producing minerally wines rich in character. Another area is near the Neusiedlersee lake itself - for example, around Oggau, Rust and Mörbisch – where moderate temperatures, reflection of sunlight and high autumn humidity help create aromatic white wines and very mature red wines. Botrytis cinerea is at the core of the Ruster Ausbruch – a wine with a glorious past, and now undergoing a remarkable renaissance. Further south, the third distinct area, is located around Zagersdorf and Pöttelsdorf. Here, ideal conditions prevail for red wines, particularly Blaufränkisch. The climate and soils are similar to the neighbouring Mittelburgenland wine-growing area.