Eisenberg wines

The Burgenland region has a diverse range of wine styles, with a particular focus on exceptional sweet wines produced around the lake. This is due to the presence of shallow water, autumn mists, and noble rot, creating favorable conditions for these unique wines.

However, the slopes of Leithaberg, Eisenberg, and Mittelburgenland, characterized by limestone, clay, and schist soils, offer excellent terroir for red wine production, with optimal water retention and drainage.

More specifically, Mount Eisenberg provides optimal conditions for the creation of elegant Blaufränkisch wines.

The implementation of the DAC system in Burgenland led to regional distinctions, resulting in Leithaberg, Neusiedlersee, Mittelburgenland, Eisenberg, and Rosalia. While Eiswein is produced near the lake, the finest examples can be found in the Weinviertel region, as well as in Germany and Canada.

Eisenberg is located in Südburgenland near the Hungarian border. The main grape variety is Blaufränkisch, whose flavour profile differs depending on the soil it is grown on. More precisely, the soils in Eisenberg impart spice notes to the wine. While white varieties are also cultivated, a unique specialty is the rare non-vinifera hybrid known as Uhudler.

Eisenberg overall presentation

Eisenberg, located in Südburgenland, is home to many top vineyards situated on the western side of the Hungarian border. The wine production in this region stretches from Rechnitz in the north, known for its production of white wine, through the villages of Deutsch-Schützen and Eisenberg, and continues south to Eberau and Heiligenbrunn.

The Pannonian climate also plays a role here, but the landscape already has slight similarities to Styria.

The Eisenberg mountain has great historical importance and is considered as the viticultural center of the region, along with the Deutsch Schützener Weinberg vineyard.

One specialty in this area (around Heiligenbrunn and Moschendorf) is the Uhudler wine. The latter is made from non-grafted hybrids and present wild strawberry notes.

Terroir of Eisenberg : climate and soil

The soils in Eisenberg are characterized by slate, quartz, and iron. This brings spiciness to the wines.

Lower on the slopes, towards Deutsch Schützen, the soil contains more loam. There wines have a more robust and earthy flavor profile.

In other parts of the region, the soil is predominantly sandy.

The climate in Eisenberg tends to be cooler due to the lack of moderating influence from Neusiedlersee, although there is some warming influence from Hungary.

Grapes in Eisenberg

These soils give the main grape variety, Blaufränkisch, a rich and delicate character. The wines produced are authentic, indigenous, and often display great character and expression, perfectly reflecting the terroir, soil, and climate.

This grape variety covers an area of 487 hectares.

However, white grape varieties are not far behind. Indeed, 40% of the grapes grown in Eisenberg are white varieties. For example, around Rechnitz in the north and Moschendorf in the south, particularly fruity and fresh Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc wines are produced.

One particular specialty of the region is the non-vinifera hybrid variety called Uhudler, which is scarce and primarily cultivated in Heiligenbrunn and Moschendorf.

Eisenberg DAC

In the past, the wine from Eisenberg was referred to as Eisenberger, named after the most renowned vineyard site.

Consequently, when the DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) was established in 2008 specifically for pure Blaufränkisch wines, it was aptly named Eisenberg.

The previous regional name of Südburgenland has now been replaced by the DAC name, meaning that any wines not made solely from Blaufränkisch grapes must be labeled as Burgenland. However, the Eisenberg DAC encompasses the same vineyards as the former appellation.

Wineries in Eisenberg

Hereunder you will find some wineries recommended by Stephen Brook in his book Wines in Austria. Leave a comment if you wish to add any to the list!

Groszer Wein, known for its exceptional Blaufränkisch wines, has two noteworthy single vineyards. The first is Saybritz, with 60-year-old vines, and the second is Kopfensteiner. The former, the most well-known wine of the two, exhibits a vibrant sour-cherry nose, a velvety texture, and a long, peppery finish, sourced from old vines.

Jalits, a collaboration between Mathias Jalits and Paul Kerschbaum, offers a range of wines sourced from 47 parcels. Their DAC wine, made from young vines, is complemented by the Szapary Reserve, produced from vines up to 50 years old and aged for a year in older barriques.

Diabas is a barrel selection of the finest Blaufränkisch, aged in 50% new oak. Their “Steinberg” wine is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Krutzler, with a property dating back to 1895, produces excellent Blaufränkisch wines. Their “Perwolff” cuvée combines Blaufränkisch with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yields are limited to 35 hectoliters per hectare, and the wines are fermented in open-top vats before aging for 18 months in mostly new barriques and tonneaux.

Schiefer and Domaines Kilger, a collaboration between Uwe Schiefer and Munich businessman Hans Kilger, offer wines with a more delicate style compared to robust Blaufränkisch wines. These wines do not exhibit the typical pepperiness found in other Blaufränkisch wines and are subject to the vintage effect.

Conclusion : Eisenberg wines

Eisenberg, located in Südburgenland, is a wine region known for its top vineyards situated on the western side of the Hungarian border. The vineyards stretch from Rechnitz in the north to Eberau and Heiligenbrunn in the south, with Deutsch-Schützen and Eisenberg in between.

The region is characterized by diverse soils, including slate, quartz, and iron, which add spiciness to the wines.

Blaufränkisch is the dominant grape variety, and the wines reflect the terroir, showcasing authentic character and expression. The region also produces white varieties, and a specialty is the scarce non-vinifera hybrid variety called Uhudler.

The Eisenberg DAC was established in 2008 for pure Blaufränkisch wines, and several notable wineries operate in the area, such as Groszer Wein, Jalits, Krutzler and Schiefer.