Meinklang Mulatschak Red 2023

Meinklang represents a pioneering approach to biodynamic winemaking in Burgenland, Austria. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of National Park Neusiedlersee on the Hungarian border, this family-run mixed farm has gained international recognition for its holistic farming practices and commitment to ecological balance. The Michlits family operates Meinklang as a complete farming organism spanning 70 hectares, integrating viticulture with livestock management to create a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem.

The estate maintains herds of Angus and Aubrac cattle alongside sheep that graze among the vineyards. These animals provide natural fertilizer through composted manure, eliminating the need for synthetic inputs. This circular farming approach aligns with natural and biodynamic winemaking philosophies practiced by quality-focused producers worldwide. Meinklang holds Demeter certification, the highest biodynamic standard, confirming their adherence to strict organic principles.

Meinklang's vineyards surround Lake Neusiedl, where sandy loam and rocky topsoils combined with the Pannonian climate create distinctive growing conditions. The estate cultivates various grape varieties and uniquely manages unpruned Grauburgunder vines called "Graupert" that climb naturally, producing smaller, more concentrated berries.

In the cellar, Meinklang follows minimal-intervention winemaking. All wines undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, avoiding industrial techniques like reverse osmosis, oak chips, or chaptalization. The estate crafted homemade concrete egg-shaped containers for aging wine, enhancing aromatic complexity through natural lees contact. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.

The estate's diverse portfolio includes the Meinklang Grüner Veltliner with bright citrus and white pepper notes, the Mulatschak Orange skin-contact white wine, the refreshing Burgenland White blend, and the Burgenland Red. The Prosa Pet Nat sparkling wine and Mulatschak Red showcase their versatility, while special releases like Nacht Pinot Noir and Abend Edition Cabernet Franc demonstrate their winemaking range.

Meinklang's commitment extends beyond winemaking to comprehensive environmental stewardship, producing wines that authentically express Burgenland's terroir while demonstrating sustainable agriculture's potential.

Burgenland, Austria's easternmost province, has earned its reputation as the nation's premier red wine region, though it also produces exceptional white and sweet wines. Located on the Pannonian Plain and spanning over 32,200 acres, this region represents Austria's second-largest winemaking area.

The region's continental Pannonian climate delivers hot, dry summers ideal for viticulture, while Lake Neusiedl moderates temperatures and extends the growing season well into autumn. This shallow lake creates humid conditions that encourage noble rot development, resulting in world-class sweet wines including the rare Ruster Ausbruch.

Burgenland comprises four distinct DAC subregions: Mittelburgenland, the heart of Blaufränkisch production; Leithaberg, known for mineral-rich wines; Eisenberg in the southeast with its distinctive tannic reds; and Neusiedlersee, celebrated for sublime dessert wines.

Blaufränkisch dominates as Austria's flagship red variety, creating deeply colored, spicy wines with pronounced tannins and notes of blackberry and dark currant. Zweigelt, bred from Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, produces more approachable, fruit-forward wines bursting with cherry and raspberry character. White grapes like Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling develop riper, fuller-bodied profiles here compared to Austria's cooler regions.

Burgenland has become a leader in biodynamic and natural winemaking, attracting forward-thinking producers committed to minimal intervention and terroir expression. Experience this philosophy through wines like Meinklang Burgenland Red, featuring native Austrian grapes, or the refreshing Meinklang Burgenland White.

Adventurous palates should explore Meinklang Grüner Veltliner or the intriguing Mulatschak Orange. Other outstanding producers include Judith Beck and Gut Oggau, both crafting distinctive biodynamic wines. Learn more about this captivating region in our detailed Burgenland wine guide.