“Eisenberg, 100% Home, 100% Character, 100% Blaufränkisch”. A slogan that summarizes a fantastic wine region in south-eastern Austria, now needs to be revised, to everyone’s joy working with Eisenberg wines.
From September 2024 vintages of 2022 will be released not only featuring the Blaufränkisch grape, but along with the Welschriesling! From there on forward Eisenberg will have a white style in the DAC. Of course, the white grape of Welschriesling is no stranger to Eisenberg, as it has been cultivated there for many years, even long before the DAC Eisenberg came into existence for the Blaufränkisch grape.
As stated in a previous article about Eisenberg the Welschriesling grape is not related to the Riesling, and its origin still remains a mystery. Likely the grape came from the northern part of Italy, spreading to Eastern Europe and Austria, more specifically Sud-Burgenland or Eisenberg, where it has made its new home. The Welschriesling thrives on the different soil-compositions in Eisenberg, especially on opal and leaves us with subtle aromas of spiced citrus and a creamy mouthfeel. Welschriesling also lends very well to aging on oak, but non-invasive Austrian oak is preferred.
Looking at the different levels of quality in the DAC, like Eisenberg DAC (general), Eisenberg DAC Reserve (more distinctive), and Eisenberg DAC Single Vineyards, we see that the Welsriesling jumps straight to the highest level! The conditions throughout all of Eisenberg are perfect for cultivating this wonderful grape, however it perhaps is the Csaterberg that takes the cake. Its levels of opal in the soil, along with loam Welschriesling displays a complex character with long aging potential!
Close to the Hungarian border, the sub-region of Rechnitz, with its greenschist, phyllite and quartz phyllite, filling up vineyards of the highest altitude of all of Burgenland, between 350 and 480 meters. This combination ensures Welschriesling wines with a lot of freshness and vibrance.
For more information about the region of Eisenberg, I happily refer to the article Eisenberg DAC, that can be found under the section ‘Travel’.
With the addition of Welschriesling to the DAC, I look forward with much excitement and hope that the grape will easier find its way throughout the European market, as this grape has too much quality and potential to leave untapped.
Eisenberg DAC
100% Home
100% Character
100% Blaufränkisch (and Welschriesling!)
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