BURGENLAND

THE WINES OF WINZER NECKENMARKT
 

Winzer Neckenmarkt is a CO-OP founded in 1968. It’s  300 members cultivate approx. 300 ha of vineyards. In the last 10 years a significant shift occurred in the amount of grapes harvested per ha. For quality improvement the yields per ha was reduced from about 12-13000 kg per ha to 8500 kg per ha. One tenth of the vineyards are since 1992 part of the special program of the “8 grapes wine” that allows only a 5000-6000 kg yield per ha. 45 members are now encompassed in this selection. Their vineyards must be older than 15 years and only in the best locations (vineyard site Hochberg). These grapes form the base for the top quality production of the Hochberg “8 Trauben” wine.

60% of the grape varietal cultivated is the Blaufraenkisch, one third the Zweigelt and 2-3% are Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Mittelburgenland

This loamy, flat land has 1877 hectares planted mainly with Blaufränkisch. Other important varieties here are Zweigelt, Welschriesling and Weissburgunder.

The picture of the landscape begins to change here. This area south of the Neusiedlersee is more hilly and wooded than the rest of Burgenland. The most well-known wine villages here are Horitschon, Deutschkreuz, Neckenmarkt and Lutzmannsburg.
It was never easy for the region's wine-makers. In the 17th century, many had their land taken away and they were forbidden to plant vines. Although this repression didn't last long, several conflicts in the 19th century destroyed numerous vineyards. Still, the wine-makers were indefatigable.

The nickname of the region, "Blaufränkisch Land", clearly reveals the dominance of this red variety. Deep, heavy soil with ample water-storing capacity helps provide outstanding conditions for producing red wines that are dry, rich in tannin and full of character. Some of the best wine-makers benefit tremendously from their old vineyards - some of these are more than 80 years old - with low yields bringing high quality.
Besides producing the Blaufränkisch, there is a lot of experimentation with blending other red varieties. These cuvées are aged mostly in small oak barrels - barriques - and represent a new style of Austrian red wine. White varieties constitute only around 30% of the grapes grown in the region.

WE INTRODUCE THE FOLLOWING CLASSIC WINES IN THE USA NOW

BLAUFRÄNKISCH- 8 TRAUBEN WEIN 2002

Sparkling, dark ruby garnet with a violet rim, mostly young,  high extract content from ripe grapes. Clear, pronounced cherry and blackberry fruit. Dry, with a mild acidity, juicy tannin and tempting to drink. The grape is the classic Austrian red wine grape and is indigenous for the area .

ZWEIGELT 2001

Sparkling, dark ruby garnet with purple reflections, a heavy core with a violet rim as a sign of youth. A high extract content. Clean nose with discreet echoes of cherry, which are typical of this variety, and young fruit aromas. Dry with a mild acidity, very soft tannin and very full-bodied. The departure is soft, harmonious and lasts a convincing length of time. A rich Zweigelt, traditionally matured. A new red wine grape gaining popularity every day.