When a winery's roots run all the way back to 1684, you know they have got stories to tell and in the case of Weingut Nittnaus, those stories come poured into your glass.
Nestled in Austria’s sun-drenched Burgenland region, the Nittnaus family has been shaping vines and wines for centuries. But it was in 1927 that Johann Nittnaus laid the groundwork for what would become a modern-day powerhouse of precision and passion.
Fast-forward to 1985, and the current dynamic duo, Hans and Anita Nittnaus, took the reins, bringing innovation, elegance, and a full embrace of biodynamic viticulture into the mix. The result? Wines that speak of place, energy, and craftsmanship, with every sip.
Let’s dive into a few bottles that truly showcase what Nittnaus is all about:
2019 Cuvée ‘Kalk & Schiefer’ – BURGENLAND
A white blend that feels like a lively conversation between Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, and Grüner Veltliner; each grape brings something to the party, and none of them are shy.
This trio creates a wine full of character: spicy and aromatic on the nose, with a lovely mineral backbone that gives it a crisp structure. The palate is a delightful journey: layered, balanced, and refreshingly complex. Think of it as the ultimate white to impress both the connoisseur and the curious sipper alike.
2018 Blaufränkisch ‘Kalk & Schiefer’ – BURGENLAND
This Blaufränkisch made me pause and smile. Honestly, it's one of the most captivating expressions of the grape I’ve tasted in ages.
Stick your nose in the glass and you’re greeted by violets, rose petals, ripe cherries, and just a flirt of melted chocolate and smoky pepper. On the palate? It starts off soft and elegant with juicy cherry and earthy beetroot, then builds to a gentle crescendo of peppery spice. It’s layered, lively, and absolutely delicious, with the kind of structure that hints at even greater things to come if you let it rest in the cellar.
2017 Blaufränkisch ‘Ried Joiser Altenberg’ – LEITHABERG DAC
Now this is a Blaufränkisch for thinkers and drinkers. Deep, dark, and structured with finesse, this single-vineyard beauty is an exercise in balance and complexity.
It opens with dense aromas of blueberry and blackberry, then unfolds with delicate pepper, a trace of dark chocolate, and a long, polished finish. It’s the kind of wine that evolves in the glass, and makes you want to sit back, sip slowly, and marvel at just how well all the elements play together.
Weingut Nittnaus is proof that tradition and innovation can absolutely share the same vineyard. Whether you're looking for a white with energy and elegance, or a red with depth and dimension, there's a bottle waiting for you in Burgenland.
So next time you're browsing for something biodynamic, bold, and beautifully crafted.
Cheers to character, craftsmanship, and wines with a story.
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''