The winery is located in the municipality of
Gols in the Burgenland DAC region of
Neusiedlersee (Austria). It is managed by Gernot and Heike Heinrich. The vineyards (about 90 hectares) are located on both sides of Lake Neusiedl: both on the west side in the cool, chalky slopes on the Leithaberg, such as Alter Berg, Edelgraben and Hackelsberg, among others, and in the warmer, south-facing sites around Gols, such as
Gabarinza and
Salzberg, with sandy loam soils and plenty of sunshine The main focus is on the red wine varieties Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir and Merlot. The share of white wine varieties has increased again in recent years. The most important are Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc on the Leithagebirge, as well as Pinot Gris, Red Traminer and Neuburger, which are produced with a lot of mash contact or even
fermented on the
mash.
Particular attention is paid to the correct location of the vines or grape varieties in terms of soil composition and moisture,
exposure (sunlight) and altitude. Through diverse, varietal
cover crop between the rows, the
biodiversity (variety of species) of plants and micro-organisms is promoted with the aim of healthy vines and at the same time erosion is prevented. In some locations, sheep are even grazed all year round. The total abandonment of
pesticides and the successive conversion to biodynamics took place in 2006 and was the final step towards a preventive cultivation based on natural preparations, according to certified guidelines of
biodynamic viticulture. The
phases of the moon are also taken into account. Both in the vineyard and in the cellar, they are committed to the minimalist
(non-invasive) principle with as few interventions as possible.
In the cellar, after
spontaneous fermentation, the wines lie untreated on their own yeast in mostly used wooden barrels (500, 1,500 to 2,700 l as well as Holzgärständer with mostly 3,000 l; only a few barriques left). As a result, the individual aromatic,
terroir-influenced spectra with natural and
reductive notes develop over time. These natural processes are perceived and observed, but influenced as little as possible. The aim of this method of working is to press authentic and original wines. The premium wines include the red wine cuvées Gabarinza (Zweigelt, Merlot, Blaufränkisch), Pannobile red (Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch) and Salzberg (Merlot, Blaufränkisch), as well as various red and white wines
Leithaberg DAC. Around 500,000 bottles of wine are produced annually. Exports are made to more than 20 EU countries, to Switzerland, to the USA as well as to some countries in Asia. The winery is a member of
Pannobile,
Premium Estates of Austria and Respekt
