Iron in the soil, iron notes in the wine: the idyllic Eisenberg DAC wine region in southern Burgenland bears the name of its most distinctive location. Mineral spice characterises the wines from here in a very special way.
The extensive forests in the area ensure cool nights.
OeWM WSNAIn the hilly landscape of southern Burgenland lies an original wine region. The special soils and microclimates here produce wines with a special mineral character and freshness. The Celts planted vines here around 2,800 years ago. Later, it was the monks of the Cistercian order who developed viticulture. Since the 2009 vintage, the Blaufränkisch wines from the region have been labelled Eisenberg DAC. From the 2022 vintage, Welsch Rieslings with a vineyard designation may also be labelled Eisenberg DAC.
The area between Rechnitz in the north and Güssing in the south has given itself the name "Weinidylle" (wine idyll). The small-scale farming structures with many part-time winegrowers, the location somewhat off the beaten track and the tranquil landscape make a stay here a relaxing and enjoyable experience. With 511 hectares of vineyards, Eisenberg is the second smallest wine-growing region in Austria. The grape varieties are almost equally divided between white and red varieties, but number one is Blaufränkisch with 157 hectares. As the second most important variety, Welschriesling is gaining more and more fans. All the wines from the region are distinctively flavoursome and are not flatterers; they benefit above all from bottle ageing. They reward patient and understanding wine lovers with vibrancy and structure even after many years. A particular speciality has been preserved in the south of the region: Uhudler, an original wine made from American varieties, which can be produced and marketed in eight municipalities.
The origin is named after its best-known and most distinctive vineyard site, the 415 metre-high Eisenberg. Iron ore has been mined here since ancient times and the wines have always been known as "Eisenberger". It is not only the special climate with continental and Mediterranean influences, the coolest in Burgenland, that gives the wines their freshness; above all it is the soils with green slate, quartz phyllite and limestone slate on the steep slopes. These rocks are otherwise only found on Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner in the Alps. At the foot of the slopes and in the flatter areas such as Deutsch-Schützen, it is ferruginous clay that makes the wines lively and vibrant. Those interested in geology can search for freshwater opals on Csater Hill. The extensive forests provide cooling even on the hottest summer days.
Kellerstöckl, like here in the Klein Csater reed near Kohfidisch, can be rented as accommodation.
OeWM WSNAThe DAC system with its protected designation of origin is reserved for Blaufränkisch and Welschriesling with vineyard designation in the Eisenberg region. All other varieties and wines are marketed under the "Burgenland" designation of origin. DAC stands for "Districtus Austriae Controllatus" and means that wines with this status must fulfil particularly strict quality regulations. These range from the harvest quantity and analysis values to the flavour profile.
The Eisenberg DAC designation of origin has existed since the 2009 vintage and is awarded based on fulfilment of the following criteria:
The residual sugar may not exceed 4 grams per litre.
With the worldwide trend away from global grape varieties towards autochthonous and terroir-influenced wines, the wines from the Eisenberg have become popular again with their inimitable savoury aromas. Together with the elegant structure, fresh acidity and fine tannins of Blaufränkisch, they are the hallmark of all Eisenberg wines. They require patience and bottle ageing, but then keep very well and are stable.
With their notes reminiscent of iron and blood oranges, the Blaufränkisch wines from the region are excellent accompaniments to meat dishes, but also to stews with pulses and even to firm-fleshed fish. Welsch Rieslings bring out the best in seafood and fish.
The first thing visitors usually notice are the numerous "Kellerstöckl" (cellars) that can be found in many vineyards. The pointed gabled houses were once used as pressing, fermentation and storage cellars, and many of them are now rented out as cosily furnished flats: It is the most original way to live in the region. The thermal spas of Bad Tatzmannsdorf and Stegersbach offer accommodation ranging up to five-star superior hotels. In Moschendorf, the wine museum is almost a must for visitors. Hiking, cycling and Nordic walking are among the favourite activities in the region, along with golf on the excellent courses.
The PannoniArte classical music festival brings high-calibre artists to Bad Tatzmannsdorf, while opera is performed at Tabor Castle in Jennersdorf. The oldest castle in Burgenland in Güssing is home to the tourist office and also hosts theatre and musical festivals. Or you can enjoy the idyllic atmosphere in the wine taverns and restaurants, which combine influences from Austria, Hungary and Croatia on their plates.
