„Mittelburgenland DAC“ - Austria’s next appellation wine

Since July 2002, the Austrian wine law has allowed quality wines with a typical regional origin and a clear taste profile to be marketed under the name of the wine growing area along with the denomination "DAC" (Districtus Austriae Controllatus). And with this, the Regional Wine Committee Burgenland has decided to bring to the market typical regional red wines from the Mittelburgenland wine growing area. The first Mittelburgenland DAC wines are from the 2005 vintage. Bearing the Mittelburgenland DAC label means that these wines are comprised of the Blaufränkisch varietal, which grows in more than 55 percent of the Mittelburgenland’s vineyards. Also, it is a confirmation that the wines have met vigorously-defined taste requirements. All other non-DAC wines can be sold under the Burgenland denomination, but still remain quality wines.

For a long time, there were several discussions in the Burgenland wine region about creating an overall Burgenland dac appellation. But because of the region’s heterogeneity and its many wine styles, such a designation would likely limit proper communication of such numerous and diverse identities. However, with Mittelburgenland DAC, the true character of a specific area and wine is highlighted. Plus, the interests of area winemakers and wine trade professionals are looked after as well.

"Blaufränkisch is our grape variety!" says an enthusiastic Anton Iby, chairman of the Regional Wine Committee Burgenland. "Nowhere else in Austria does this indigenous variety thrive like it does in Mittelburgenland. And that’s why it is only logical - and out of tradition - that we position ourselves on the market with this varietal." Iby estimates that the 2005 vintage will yield 800,000 bottles of Mittelburgenland DAC wines produced by 42 winemakers.

Mittelburgenland DAC wines must be produced with the Blaufränkisch variety, and have a minimum alcohol content of 12.5% and a maximum residual sugar content of 2.5 grams per liter. Wines with the designation Mittelburgenland DAC, which are released on the market on the 1st of March following the harvest, can be matured in steel tanks or traditional large wooden barrels. They must have no barrique flavour tone. These wines also may have an additional designation of "Classic". With this first level of Mittelburgenland DAC wines, site or brand names are permitted. These signify a more bodied style of wines; maturation in used barriques is permitted. The second level - Mittelburgenland Reserve dac – features wines with a more powerful expression of Blaufränkisch. They can be matured in new, small wooden barrels, and must not be sold before March 1st of the second year following the harvest.
Style-wise, Mittelburgenland DAC wines are characterized by a bouquet of blackberries and cherries which harmonise with a palate of distinct fruitiness and spicy undertones.