Mittelburgenland dac: Racy Red Wines. Blaufränkisch with Character.
On 2,100 hectares of vineyards in the Mittelburgenland area, one red grape variety plays the leading role: Blaufränkisch. The DAC wines here reflect origin through the most typical expressions of area and varietal. Four towns act as the wine-growing area´s main producers: Deutschkreutz, Horitschon, Lutzmannsburg and Neckenmarkt; these, as well as two modern cooperatives, prove that size and high quality can indeed go hand in hand.
When you cross the Sieggraben, south of the Neusiedlersee lake, and head toward the Hungarian border, the centre of Austrian red wine culture suddenly appears. Given the area´s densely wooded slopes, it may come as a surprise that here, too, are climatic conditions similar to those found around the 
Neusiedlersee lake. It was only in the late 1970s and early 1980s that this area produced its first red wines with clear identity and character. The key to the resulting red wine boom must be attributed to the Blaufränkisch varietal – whose origin is still relatively unknown. Indeed, these wines have succeeded in acquiring top status both locally and internationally.
Topographical and climatic conditions are favourable, since the vineyards are protected by a series of hills in the west (Bucklige Welt), in the north (Ödenburger Gebirge) and in the south (Günser Gebirge). From the Pannonian plain in the east, dry warm winds can flow unhindered into the region. The soils are rather uniform, heavy and deep, and have a great ability to absorb and store water, which has a positive effect especially in dry years. Hence, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon und Merlot can gain in strength and structure.
It is debatable as to which wines show better results: single varietals or cuvée blends. Undisputed, however, is the fact that Blaufränkisch will play a leading role in the area’s future wine trade. Quality is assured through dynamic wine-growers with a highly developed sense for co-operation. Moreover, there are two modern co-operatives that are part of that successful strategy as well. Already at an early stage, they understood that red wine requires future-focused investment in order for it to have success in the markets and in exports.
With respect to tourism, Mittelburgenland has become an attractive destination - not least for the thermal spas that have mushroomed here during the past years. A varied leisure time programme for people of all ages adds to the appeal of this hospitable region.
Wine Estates in the Wine Area Mittelburgenland dac
