
Exploring The Terroir Of Burgenland For Blaufränkisch
In our beginner’s guide to Blaufränkisch, we talked about Blaufränkisch being well spread across Central Europe, but it really felt at home in Burgenland.
Why? Because of Burgenland’s terroir.
First, just a little reminder : the vine needs FIVE elements to produce the wine. Heat is fundamental. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis (production of glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water). Finally, the nutrients that the vine will draw from the soil will promote its growth and the ripening of the grapes.
And the combination of all this is what, we, French people, call terroir. So what makes the terroir of Burgenland so special? Let’s find out!
Buckle up for diverse Blaufränkisch! Burgenland’s terroir throws everything at its grapes, from limestone-rich soils in some areas to clay or sandy soils in others. This, combined with variations in climate and vineyard orientation (north vs south facing slopes), creates a fascinating spectrum of Blaufränkisch styles. Limestone soils might give you a mineral-laden, acidic wine, while clay soils produce a fuller body. Warmer, southern slopes yield riper fruit flavors, while cooler, northern slopes offer higher acidity and delicate notes. The bottom line? Burgenland’s Blaufränkisch is a playground for exploration, with a unique style waiting to be discovered in every sip!
The Significance of Terroir in Winemaking
The French writer Colette famously said, “Wine is the expression of its terroir.”
Terroir is a French term that refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and aspect that influences the flavor and character of a wine. It is a complex concept, but it is essential for understanding the nuances of Blaufränkisch wine.
What is terroir?
Terroir is a combination of three main factors:
- Soil: The type of soil in a vineyard has a major impact on the flavor of the wine. For example, limestone soils impart minerality and acidity to the wines, while clay soils produce fuller-bodied wines. If you want to learn more about the impact of soil on wine, check out this post!
- Climate: The climate of a region also plays a role in terroir. Warmer climates produce wines with higher alcohol content and more ripe fruit flavors, while cooler climates produce wines with higher acidity and more delicate flavors.
- Aspect: The aspect of a vineyard, or the direction it faces, can also influence the flavor of the wine. Vineyards with a southern exposure tend to produce warmer and more fruit-forward wines, while vineyards with a northern exposure tend to produce cooler and more acidic wines.
Why is terroir important for Blaufränkisch wine?
Blaufränkisch is a very sensitive grape variety to terroir. The grape’s unique flavor profile is highly influenced by the soil, climate, and aspect of the vineyard where it is grown.
This is why Blaufränkisch wines from different regions can vary so greatly in terms of flavor and style.
For example, Blaufränkisch wines from Burgenland, Austria are typically full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. This is due to the high limestone content in the soils of Burgenland.
Blaufränkisch wines from Hungary are also full-bodied, but they are often more fruity than the wines from Burgenland. This is due to the warmer climate and more sandy soils in Hungary.
Blaufränkisch wines from Slovenia are typically lighter-bodied and more elegant, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. This is due to the cooler climate and more clay-rich soils in Slovenia.
Understanding the nuances of Blaufränkisch
By understanding the concept of terroir, you can better appreciate the nuances of Blaufränkisch wine. When tasting Blaufränkisch wines from different regions, pay attention to the following factors:
- Body: Is the wine full-bodied or light-bodied?
- Acidity: Is the wine high in acidity or low in acidity?
- Fruit: What kind of fruit flavors do you taste? Are they dark fruit flavors, red fruit flavors, or a combination of both?
- Spice: Does the wine have any spice notes? If so, what kind of spices?
- Earth: Does the wine have any earthy notes?
Once you have identified these factors, you can start to see how the terroir of the vineyard has influenced the flavor of the wine.
Soil Types and Their Influence
Soil is simply a mixture of water, air, minerals and organic matter. What gives it its identity is its proportion and organization of these different elements.

It is characterized by the following parameters: porosity, texture, structure, pH, nutrient storage capacity.
Porosity enable water circulation and helps the vine regulates it hydrometry. Porosity depends on texture and structure.
Texture is determined by its particle size. For example, the thickest soils are sand (they are also the hottest), followed by limes, who will feel like talc if you touch it, and last, clay (also the coldest), and can be sticky.
Structure depends on the composition, proportion and assembly of these particles. If it’s lumpy, the vine will grow its roots easily, whereas if the soil is compact, its root will stay on the surface. The vine will access water more or less easily, meaning the water will be more or less deep. Actually the vine can go fetch the water she needs up to 15m-deep
The different nutriments the vine needs to thrive are:
- organic matter : present in the soil on the surface
- nitrogen: resulting from the degradation of organic matter, used for the production of the green matter of the plant
- minerals : for example, phosphate which favors root development and grape ripening or potassium which contributes to the production of sap
- trace elements such as iron, essential for photosynthesis
- acids
The soils of Burgenland vary greatly from region to region. Some areas have limestone-rich soils, while others have clay soils or sandy soils. The type of soil in a vineyard has a significant impact on the flavor of the wine.
Limestone soils are draining. The water penetrates the soil and thus optimizes the water management of the vine. In addition, limestone is a mixture of minerals: calcium and magnesium. The wines are then fine, precise and of great minerality.
Clay soils have a high water retention capacity (which is useful in times of drought). However, these are heavy and cold soils. Thus, early ripening grape varieties are more suitable. These soils give fleshy and powerful wines.
Sandy soils tend to produce lighter-bodied wines with more red fruit flavors.
Microclimates and Their Role
Burgenland is a wine region in eastern Austria that is known for its diverse terroirs, including a variety of microclimates.
Microclimates are small areas within a larger region that have their own unique climatic conditions, such as temperature, sunlight, and rainfall. These conditions can have a significant impact on the ripening process of Blaufränkisch grapes and the flavor profile of the resulting wines.
Temperature fluctuations are an important factor in the ripening process of Blaufränkisch grapes. Grapes need cool nights and warm days to ripen properly.
If the nights are too warm, the grapes will ripen too quickly and will not develop the desired acidity and flavor complexity. If the nights are too cold, the grapes will not ripen fully and will produce wines with high acidity and less fruit flavor.
Microclimates in Burgenland can experience significant temperature fluctuations, particularly between day and night.
This is due to the region’s location on the eastern edge of the Alps and its proximity to Lake Neusiedl. The Alps protect Burgenland from the cold north winds, while the lake helps to moderate the climate.
However, the mountains and the lake can also create their own microclimates, with some areas being warmer or cooler than others.
Sunlight is another important factor in the ripening process of Blaufränkisch grapes. Grapes need sunlight to produce sugars and develop their flavor profile.
However, too much sunlight can scorch the grapes and produce wines with high alcohol content and harsh tannins.
Microclimates in Burgenland can experience varying amounts of sunlight, depending on their location and elevation.
Vineyards located on south-facing slopes tend to receive more sunlight than those located on north-facing slopes. Vineyards located at higher altitudes tend to receive more sunlight than those located at lower altitudes.
Rainfall patterns are also important for the ripening process of Blaufränkisch grapes. Grapes need water to ripen properly, but too much water can dilute the flavors and make the grapes susceptible to disease.
Microclimates in Burgenland can experience varying amounts of rainfall, depending on their location.
Vineyards located in the northern part of the region tend to receive more rainfall than those located in the southern part of the region. Vineyards located at higher altitudes tend to receive more rainfall than those located at lower altitudes.
So, as you can read, the microclimates in Burgenland play an important role in the ripening process of Blaufränkisch grapes and the flavor profile of the resulting wines.
By understanding the different microclimates in Burgenland, winemakers can choose the best vineyards for their Blaufränkisch vines and produce wines with the desired flavor profile. So what are these different flavor profiles? Let’s find out!
Terroir and Blaufränkisch Flavor Profiles
As we previously established, the terroir of Burgenland varies greatly from region to region.

Leithaberg: The Leithaberg region is located in the north of Burgenland and is known for its limestone-rich soils and cool climate. This creates a microclimate that is ideal for Blaufränkisch grapes. The grapes ripen slowly and develop complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and minerality.
Neusiedlersee: The Neusiedlersee region is located in the east of Burgenland and is known for its sandy soils and moderate climate. The grapes ripen early, develop flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. The wines from this region are typically lighter-bodied and more elegant .
Mittelburgenland: The Mittelburgenland region is located in the center of Burgenland and is known for its clay-rich soils and warm climate. The grapes ripen fully and develop full-bodied wines with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Eisenberg or Südburgenland: The Eisenberg region is located in the south of Burgenland and is known for its volcanic soils and cool climate. The grapes ripen slowly and develop elegant wines with flavors of red fruit, spice, and minerality. The wines from this region are typically lighter-bodied and more elegant.
Rosalia: The Rosalia region is located in the south of Burgenland and is known for its gneiss soils and warm climate. The grapes ripen fully and develop full-bodied wines with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth. The wines from this region are typically full-bodied, mineral and fruity.
Single-Vineyard Expressions of Blaufränkisch
Seeing as Blaufränkisch is a grape variety that is known for its ability to reflect terroir, most winemakers make single-vineyard Blaufränkisch. What does this meand? It means : single-vineyard expressions of Blaufränkisch wines are made from grapes grown in a single vineyard, and they offer a unique and expressive glimpse into the terroir of that vineyard.
Benefits of single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines
Single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines offer a number of benefits, including:
- Uniqueness: Single-vineyard wines are unique because they reflect the specific terroir of the vineyard where the grapes were grown. This means that each single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wine will be slightly different, even if it is made by the same winemaker.
- Expressiveness: Single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines are often more expressive than wines made from a blend of grapes from different vineyards. This is because the winemaker is able to focus on the unique characteristics of the vineyard and produce a wine that showcases the best of what that vineyard has to offer.
- Complexity: Single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines can be very complex, with a wide range of aromas and flavors. This is due to the fact that the grapes are grown in a single vineyard, which allows the winemaker to carefully manage the vineyard and produce grapes that are perfectly ripe and expressive.
Examples of single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines
Here are a few examples of single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines from Burgenland, Austria:
- Leithaberg: Weninger Blaufränkisch Ried Goldberg: This wine comes from a vineyard with limestone soils and a steep southern exposure. It is a full-bodied and complex wine with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and minerality. Ernst Triebaumer specialises in single vineyard Blaufränkisch also. If you really want to measure the impact of terroir on Blaufränkisch, you should taste his line!
- Neusiedlersee: Moric Blaufränkisch Ried Rotes Kreuz: This wine comes from a vineyard with sandy soils and a warm climate. It is a lighter-bodied and more elegant wine with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth.
- Mittelburgenland: Loimer Blaufränkisch Ried Spiegel: This wine comes from a vineyard with clay-rich soils and a warm climate. It is a full-bodied and fruity wine with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
- Eisenberg: Rabl Blaufränkisch Ried Kittenberg: This wine comes from a vineyard with volcanic soils and a cool climate. It is a lighter-bodied and more elegant wine with flavors of red fruit, spice, and minerality.
- Rosalia: Strehn Blaufränkisch Ried Weinberg: This wine comes from a vineyard with gneiss soils and a warm climate. It is a full-bodied and fruity wine with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth.
Winemakers’ Perspectives on Terroir
I’ve been talking a lot but let’s see what the winemakers in Burgenland think about the terroir in Burgenland.
Uwe Schiefer (Weingut Uwe Schiefer): “I am convinced that Blaufränkisch is the grape variety that best expresses the terroir of Burgenland. My approach to winemaking is to focus on the vineyard and to let the grapes speak for themselves. I intervene as little as possible in the cellar and rely on natural yeasts and fermentation. My goal is to produce wines that are pure, expressive, and reflect the unique character of my vineyards.”
Thomas Leithner (Weingut Leithaberg): “The terroir of Burgenland is very diverse, and this is reflected in the wide range of styles of Blaufränkisch wine that are produced here. My approach to winemaking is to tailor my style to the specific terroir of each vineyard. For example, in my vineyards with limestone soils, I produce wines that are more full-bodied and complex. In my vineyards with sandy soils, I produce wines that are more elegant and fruit-forward.“
Roland Velich (Moric): “I believe that Blaufränkisch is one of the greatest grape varieties in the world. It is a grape variety that is very sensitive to terroir, and this is what makes it so special. My approach to winemaking is to focus on the vineyard and to produce wines that are expressive of the unique character of each vineyard. I use a variety of techniques in the cellar, but my goal is always to produce wines that are pure and balanced.”
These quotes from winemakers in Burgenland show the importance of terroir to them and their approach to winemaking. They are committed to producing wines that express the unique character of their vineyards and the region as a whole.
Winemakers’ understanding of the terroir of Burgenland influences their winemaking decisions in a number of ways.
For example, they may choose different planting densities, pruning methods, and harvesting times depending on the specific terroir of each vineyard. They may also use different vinification techniques to enhance the unique characteristics of each terroir.
Planting density: Winemakers may choose to plant vines more densely in vineyards with limestone soils in order to produce wines with more concentration and structure.
Pruning methods: Winemakers may choose to prune vines more severely in vineyards with sandy soils in order to produce wines with more fruit flavor and less acidity.
Harvesting times: Winemakers may choose to harvest grapes earlier in vineyards with cooler climates in order to preserve acidity.
Vinification techniques: Winemakers may choose to use longer maceration times for grapes from vineyards with limestone soils in order to extract more tannins and flavor.
By understanding the terroir of Burgenland, winemakers are able to make informed decisions that help them to produce wines that express the unique character of their vineyards.
Conclusion: Exploring the terroir of Burgenland for Blaufränkisch
All in all, as you now understand, the terroir of Burgenland is one of the most diverse in Austria, and thus a wide range of Blaufränkisch can be produced here. The region’s soils, climate, and aspect all play a role in shaping the flavor profile of Blaufränkisch wines.
Three main ideas/concepts to take from this post :
1) The soils of Burgenland vary greatly from region to region. Some areas have limestone-rich soils, while others have clay soils or sandy soils.
The type of soil in a vineyard has a significant impact on the flavor of the wine. Limestone soils impart minerality and acidity to the wines, while clay soils produce fuller-bodied wines. Sandy soils tend to produce lighter-bodied wines with more red fruit flavors.
2) The climate of Burgenland is also diverse. The northern part of the region is cooler and has a shorter growing season, while the southern part of the region is warmer and has a longer growing season. Higher altitudes produce wines with higher acidity and more delicate flavors, while lower altitudes produce wines with lower acidity and more ripe fruit flavors.
3) The aspect of the vineyard, or the direction it faces, can also influence the flavor of Blaufränkisch wine. Vineyards with a southern exposure tend to produce warmer and more fruit-forward wines, while vineyards with a northern exposure tend to produce cooler and more acidic wines.
Theory is good, practice is better! So try exploring wines with a terroir-focused perspective. This can help you to better understand the nuances of Blaufränkisch wine and to appreciate the unique character of wines from different regions. It can also help you to find wines that you truly enjoy and that are well-suited to your palate.
When tasting Blaufränkisch wines, pay attention to the following factors:
- Body: Is the wine full-bodied or light-bodied?
- Acidity: Is the wine high in acidity or low in acidity?
- Fruit: What kind of fruit flavors do you taste? Are they dark fruit flavors, red fruit flavors, or a combination of both?
- Spice: Does the wine have any spice notes? If so, what kind of spices?
- Earth: Does the wine have any earthy notes?
Once you have identified these factors, you can start to see how the terroir of the vineyard has influenced the flavor of the wine.
Taste single vineyard wines from the same winemaker and ask him to describe the terroir to you so you can fully taste the difference!
Or sign up for a tasting! If you’re in Vienna (living there or on holidays), sign up to this exclusive wine tasting. I know I go there every single time I come to Austria :


3 Comments
JÚLIO C O VIEIRA
I would rich it witha region map
JÚLIO C O VIEIRA
Diane, how about always show a goegraphical map of the region?
Mademoiselle
great idea! let me add one!
Thank you for your comment and input