NATURAL, TERROIR-DRIVEN VITICULTURE AT THE HIGHEST QUALITY LEVEL
| The charismatic John Nittnaus is a true heavyweight in the Austrian wine scene: initiator of the Pannobile Group, pioneer of terroir-driven viticulture and biodynamic cultivation. He was the first to recognize the potential lying dormant on the western shore of Lake Neusiedl in the Leitha Mountains and that of the native Blaufränkisch variety. The winery of Hans and Anita Nittnaus is one of the leading wineries and has had a formative influence on the quality revolution in Austrian viticulture. This family is driven by curiosity and innovation; by the desire to represent their homeland through wine. It is also to the credit of the Nittnaus family that the Burgenland is now indispensable from the wine lists of the world. Anita and Hans Nittnaus' philosophy is complete devotion to making wines that reflect the origin and terroir of the area. The vineyards are farmed according to biodynamic methods; hand harvest, spontaneous fermentation and a low intervention approach to winemaking all taking center stage. |
Hans Nittnaus, one of the visionaries of Austrian viticulture, appears modest, conveys profound expertise and is a creative perfectionist to whom Burgenland, and indeed all of Austria, owes a lot.
On the other bank of Lake Neusiedl, he is now realizing his search for freshness and sophisticated expressivity, for elegance and, above all, minerality.
The new generation of red wines are characterized by balanced, juicy, fruit-filled tannins that appear fresh in the mouth and with cool acidity. They have powerful concentration, but rely on finesse rather than alcoholic power, simultaneously refreshing and serious, without making a huge deal of their ease of use, and sneakily solid in their construction despite their spicy exuberance and lip-smacking fruit. Theses are wines of seasoned masters who have learned over years of experience how to produce wines that taste precisely and proudly of where they are from.
RESIDUAL SUGAR 1G/L RS DRY ACIDITY 5.3 G/L TBS
Hans owes his position among the Austrian red wine producers primarily to this wine, which has repeatedly achieved top positions in tastings, not only in Austria, and is consistently one of the best red wine cuveés. Like the Pannobile, the Comondor has constantly developed and has become more down-to-earth, elegant and subtle.
Hand-picked organic Merlot, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from carefully manually managed vineyards in top locations form the basis of this special wine. They all thrive where they feel most comfortable. The leading Merlot on the Kurzberg on clay. The 'Cabernet Sauvignon on chalky clay. The supporting Blaufränkisch from old vines on lime.
85% Merlot, 10% Blaufränkisch, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Dense black-red, deep, dark complex-spicy fruit with a lot of substance on the palate. Nice balance, powerful and fine, long and persistent in the finish.
Falstaff 97
Vinaria 5*
Maturity: until 2041
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 1,3 G/L RS DRY ACIDITY: 5,8 G/L TBS
Intense ruby red, fine fruit, delicately spicy and mineral; lively and exciting on the palate, long, with a beautiful fruity finish. Cleansing, cool-toned minerality counterbalances the fruit, united under
a spire of glowing acidity.
The 2021 version is a very contemporary drink and a further proof of John Nittnaus's enormous skills.
Falstaff 93
JR 17
LEITHABERG DAC
The hand-picked grapes for this finesse Grüner Veltliner come from the Altenberg Ried.
A limestone top location in Jois on the Leitha Mountains, which, thanks to its proximity to the forest, the associated coolness at night and the old age of the vines, forms the perfect breeding ground for aromatic, exciting wines.
Fine, complex fruit, full-bodied and long on the palate, mineral, spicy-floral finish.
100% Grüner Veltliner
Falstaff 93
BLAUFRANKISCH RIED ALTENBERG JOIS
LEITHABERG DAC
before being bottled with minimal sulfur.
Dark, brilliant ruby red, fine fruit, cherry, berries, spicy mineral aromas;
On the palate the Altenberg is juicy and fresh, at the same time earthy and dark-fruited with a remarkable energy and density. A deep, distinctive cherry aroma combines with notes of oak, herbs and violets. The acidity penetrates the fruit with great vitality and carries the Blaufränkisch into a very long and complex finish. There, the tightly woven tannin becomes just as apparent as the fine chalkiness of this Burgenländer. A lively, cool terroir wine. Great QPR!
A complex companion to beef, game and lamb and a wonderfully sophisticated soloist.
Falstaff 93 JR17.5 WineEnthusiast 94
PANNOBILE
The hand-picked organic grapes from Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt for this premium cuvée ripened on top slopes on the northern edge of Lake Neusiedl. The Zweigelt comes from the Leithaberg in Jois, the Blaufränkisch from the Golser Ungerberg. 90% Blaufränkisch, 10% Zweigelt
Dense dark ruby; ripe, complex fruit of black cherries, dark berries and spices, full-bodied on the palate, powerful finish.
organic + Biodyn Respect
Falstaff 94
On the palate, it continues this game seamlessly. The fruit is loud, but very slender. It is bundled into a fine stream on the palate. The acidity pushes the fruit into the corner and leads the pace. This leads to a filigree, long-lasting finish, which then gives the fruit a run for its money again. Eucalyptus and mint blossom there again and provide fresh accents.
Food recommendations:
- Aubergine from the oven with yoghurt, za'atar and redcurrant
- Beetroot carpaccio with walnut and lamb's lettuce
- Grilled red mullet with ratatouille
Andreas, Lydia & Martin Nittnaus
'Nittnaus with Attitude.'
The winery - Anita und Hans Nittnaus - has been among the 'créme de la créme' of Austria’s leading wineries for over 30 years now. The winemaker behind this success is Hans 'John‘ Nittnaus, a true pioneer, and still today, a mastermind behind many important developments in Burgenland. But behind the shadow of his legacy, sons Martin and Andi, as well as their cousin Lydia Nittnaus, have been working hard to slowly take over the reins of the winery today.
Our work is about mixing up the preconceptions and reinterpreting the varieties into something new. We hope that shows in the wines.”
“If you haven’t guessed by now,
we really come up with some crazy stuff in terms of vinification."
"Grüner is so suitable for natural fermentation. It has thick skins, and it’s a very good fermenter.
When it’s ripe, you can do great stuff with
skin fermentation."
GRUNER VELTLINER ELEKTRA
The 2022 Elektra is a contemporary interpretation of the variety. A pure natural wine, intense scent of hops and malt, plus tart apple, spicy, floral, complex.
On the palate a lean texture, with finely contoured phenolics and an aromatically tart framing. Herbaceous and slightly bitter, very refreshing, apple fruit again, plus an intense acidity, phenolic grip and delicate yeast on the finish. Dazzling and constantly changing. Animating with a rapid drinking flow. The ultimate crowd-pleasing bottle of white.
- Yellow beetroot carpaccio with goat's cheese and salted almonds
- Grilled fish with cucumber salad
- Spicy grilled chicken skewers
- Enjoy this with almost anything.
Drinking temperature 11° - 13 °
BLAUFRANKISCH MANILA
The Manila is all about the juicy lighter side of Blaufränkisch. There's the hallmark blackcurrant and white pepper flavours, but with a serious undertone — a true foodie's wine. This will pair with pretty much every dish conceivable, making it a go-to for any dinner party.
Reductive nose reveals an enormously dark fruit and spice. And yet you already know at this moment that this will be a racy, lean wine. Liquorice, white pepper and juniper make themselves felt. A fine pepper spice underpins this. Sour cherry and cassis stand out. All this is underpinned by the finest, acidic fruit. Earthy beetroot rounds it off wonderfully.
- Beetroot carpaccio with walnut and radish
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
- Roast beef cold cut with lamb's lettuce and raspberry vinegar vinaigrette
- Grilled meat