Meinklang Epic 2022

Meinklang is a unique and family-run mixed farm located in the World Heritage Site of the National Park Neusiedlersee, on the eastern side of Neusiedlersee Lake, bordering the Hungarian lowlands. This farm operates holistically, embracing the biodiversity of its environment.

The vineyard at Meinklang is not just a place for growing grapes; it's a biotope where natural ponds, protected cover crops, and wild herbs surround the vines. These elements provide a habitat for soil organisms and beneficial insects, fostering a healthy ecosystem. The deep roots of the cover crops help to loosen the ground, contributing to the health of the vines. This approach to viticulture is based on the original German concept of “Wein-Garten,” which combines the ideas of wine and garden. Even plants often considered weeds, like stinging nettles and thistles, are welcomed for their ecological benefits.

In the vineyards, Meinklang employs a unique approach with their Grauburgunder (or Pinot Gris) vines, known as “Graupert.” These vines are left unpruned, allowing them to grow and climb naturally. This leads to the production of smaller grape berries with a higher skin-to-pulp ratio, which contributes to more complex and aromatic wines.

The winemaking process at Meinklang is characterized by a "less is more" philosophy. They avoid common winemaking interventions such as reverse osmosis, using oak chips, or chaptalization. The grapes and the land are allowed to shape the final product. Organic and biodynamic farming practices are employed, and in the cellar, native yeasts are used for spontaneous fermentation. Meinklang even crafted homemade concrete containers shaped like eggs for aging their wine, enhancing aroma and flavor.

Their wine range is diverse and extensive, including varieties like Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Merlot, Grüner Veltliner, St. Laurent, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. Each wine exhibits a purity and freshness of fruit, reflecting the natural philosophy of the winery. Meinklang also produces a Urkorn beer made from einkorn, spelt, and emmer, known for its complexity and variety.

Located in Burgenland, Austria, Meinklang is a winery that has garnered an average rating of 3.8 with over 68,000 ratings on Vivino. The vineyard spans 70 hectares with soils composed of sandy loam and rocky topsoil. The average age of vines varies from 10 to 60 years, depending on the grape variety. Meinklang's farming is biodynamic, and harvests are conducted by hand. The winemaking process includes methods like carbonic maceration and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged in various ways, including in concrete eggs and stainless steel. Meinklang takes pride in not using fining or filtration in their wine production, and sulphites are kept to a minimum.

In summary, Meinklang stands out for its commitment to biodiversity, biodynamic practices, and a natural approach to winemaking, offering a range of wines that are true expressions of their unique terroir and philosophy.

Burgenland, nestled between the Austrian Alps' foothills to the west and Hungary to the east, holds a venerable position in Austria's vinicultural domain. Known as the Pannonian Plain, it extends over 32,200 acres, marking Austria's second-largest winemaking region. Burgenland embodies ancient winemaking traditions, modern viticultural techniques, and a burgeoning community of minimal intervention, natural winemakers.

Today, Burgenland is segmented into four DAC subregions: Mittelburgenland, Leithaberg, Eisenberg, and Neusiedlersee DAC, each exhibiting a distinct viticultural character. Mittelburgenland, a hub for red wines, particularly excels in Blaufränkisch production. Leithaberg, with its profound minerality, sits in northern Burgenland, one of the world's most ancient wine-growing locales. In the southeast, Eisenberg yields tart, tannic Blaufränkisch, while Neusiedlersee DAC, beside Lake Neusiedl, is famed for its sweet, botrytized wines.

Burgenland's geographical composition is a meld of Styrian and Pannonian Basins, hosting a spectrum of soils like sandy gravels, silt to clay sedimentary deposits, alongside limestone and schist. The region's Pannonian climate, a hot continental variant, is conducive to red wine production. The climatic interplay between warm Hungarian air and cooler Alpine breezes from the west extends the growing season, aiding grape acidity retention. Particularly in the Neusiedlersee area, humidity and scattered water bodies augment the growing season, creating a haven for Botrytis (Noble Rot) wines.

Burgenland also nurtures a diverse white wine portfolio despite its red wine prominence. Grapes like Gruner Veltliner and Welchsriesling thrive here, with the climate lending the white wines a ripe, full-bodied character. Near Lake Neusiedl, sweet white wines like Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, and Eiswines have garnered global acclaim for their concentrated, exquisite profiles. The region's unique Ruster Ausbruch, a botrytized wine from Rust, stands in its own Austrian sweet wine classification. The region's "Zicklacken" lakes further facilitate Botrytis cinerea growth during Autumn.

Blaufränkisch, the quintessence of Austrian red wines, finds its prime cultivation ground in Burgenland. Its often tannic and spicy wines bear blackberry and dark currant notes with a mineral undertone. Zweigelt, a Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent cross, yields tart, fruity wines with spiced cherry and raspberry nuances. St. Laurent, a Pinot Noir progeny, is cultivated in northern Burgenland, producing crisp, fruit-forward red wines.

Food and Cuisine of Burgenland
Burgenland's culinary scene, influenced by its geographical proximity to Hungary, often exhibits a spicy undertone. Goulash and sausages are common, reflecting the local emphasis on utilizing regional meats, produce, and Lake Neusiedl fish. The region's contemporary cuisine often features fish, chicken, and pork, with potatoes as a staple side, harmoniously accompanying the diverse wine offerings of Burgenland.