Neusiedlersee: The Diversity of Zweigelt – Strong Wines. Great Names.
Everything is possible in the Seewinkel, another name for the wine area of Neusiedlersee, or Lake Neusiedl. In fact, Seewinkel means, literally, "corner of the lake". There, at the edges of this vast, shallow lake, a variety of white, red and sweet wine grapes ripen on 9,100 hectares of vineyards. The range comprises dry, fresh wines as well as full-bodied and aromatic wines - and of course, the area’s world-famous sweet wines. Also noteworthy is that over the past few years, the diversity of Zweigelt has come into full bloom.
A life full of sun – that is what the vines in the spacious vineyards truly enjoy. The Pannonian climate conditions - hot, dry summers and cold winters - together with the temperature-regulating influence of the Neusiedlersee lake, bring about long vegetation periods. High humidity and autumn fog aid in bringing about Botrytis cinerea, 
which forms the basis of top quality wines such as Beerenauslese (BA) and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA). These wines have contributed considerably to making the Seewinkel well-known worldwide; quite an achievement, since this region is still young in comparison to the older, traditional Austrian wine-growing areas.
The highly diverse soil structure - from loess and black earth to sediment and sand - allows for a wide range of vines to thrive. Apart from the leading white Welschriesling varietal, mainly Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Chardonnay, as well as aromatic varieties, mark the area. Red varietals planted are Blauer Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir) as well as newly added international varieties. Whether fruity & charming, or matured in barriques, from ungrafted vines, or as cuvée blends - the red wines of the Neusiedlersee region are clearly on the track to success.
The local gastronomy also celebrates triumphs, scoring with an exciting combination of creative, modern cuisine and down-to-earth products. Delicacies made from vegetables, fish and nearly-forgotten types of beef adorn the menus, and are accompanied by wines to suit every taste. Complementing this culinary programme are plenty of opportunities to go bikeriding, horseback riding and to enjoy water sports. Also, the selection of hotel rooms and B&Bs provides all that could be wanted - and more ! - from Neusiedl and Gols at the north end of the lake, to Podersdorf, Illmitz, Apetlon and Pamhagen in the south, and Andau, Frauenkirchen and Mönchhof in the east. Cultural highlights throughout the year include exhibitions and concerts at Schloß Halbturn.
Wine Estates in the Wine Area Neusiedlersee
