Leithaberg / Neusiedlersee-Hügelland
Minerality in White, Red and Sweet
The Leithagebirge, or Leitha mountain range, is the region for versatile wine producers, as no other wine-growing regions offers such diversity of wine styles. The 3,576 hectares are planted on the west shore of Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), and include the legendary Ruster Ausbruch, the internationally renowned noble sweet dessert wine, that epitomizes the strong identity of the region.
Vineyard area | 3,576 ha |
|---|---|
Principal grape varieties | Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch |
Leading viticultural towns Leithaberg DAC | Jois, Winden |
Leading viticultural towns Leithaberg DAC/Neusiedlersee-Hügelland | Purbach, Donnerskirchen, Schützen, Oggau, Mörbisch, Großhöflein |
Leading viticultural towns Neusiedlersee-Hügelland | Rust, Pöttelsdorf |
- © AWMB / Egon Mark
The dry style of wines display the aromas of the mineral rich slopes of the Leithagebirge inclines, where layers of granite primary rock emerge through layers of chalk and lime. The specific region-typical wines, labelled with the Leithaberg DAC designation, also have a legally defined viticultural area, encompassing the political districts of the free town of Eisenstadt, including its outskirts, up to the smaller wine-growing towns of Jois and Winden. The Leithaberg DAC white wine may be only produced using the varieties Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Neuburger and Grüner Veltliner, either as a single varietal or as a blend of these varieties. The red Leithaberg DAC is produced using Blaufränkisch as the principal grape variety, yet up to 15 percent of the blend may contain Zweigelt, St. Laurent or Pinot Noir. The wines labelled as Leithaberg DAC display consistent mineral characters and are relatively full-bodied, with declared alcohol levels of 12.5 % to 13.5 % by volume. Alongside the DAC designated wines, there are a wide selection of other varieties and styles vinified in the west of the Neusiedlersee, that are usually marketed under the general description of Burgenland.
The region has become a real wine Mecca for tourists, with its wealth of quality orientated wineries and dedicated producers. Cultural programmes, including wine, are on offer in Eisenstadt, the federal state capital, with its famous Schloss Esterhazy castle, along with the lakeside musical festivals in Mörbisch, the open air opera in the historic quarry in Sankt Margarethen or the wide variety of wine courses at the Weinakademie (Wine Academy) in Rust.
The sweeping “Rosalia” vineyards extend from the southern tip of the Leithaberg region, and include the wine-growing village of Pöttelsdorf. Its rich, dense soil structure gives Blaufränkisch a powerful style that is quite similar to Mittelburgenland.