Esterházy

Esterházy is not a single person but rather one of the most significant and historic wine estates in Austria. The Esterházy family, a powerful noble family, has been involved in viticulture in the region for centuries, with records dating back to the 17th century. The current winery is a modern operation that honors this legacy while embracing modern winemaking techniques.

Region

The winery is located in Burgenland, a key wine-growing region in Austria. Their vineyards are situated around the Leithaberg ("Leitha Mountains") and in other parts of the region near Lake Neusiedl. This area is known for its diverse terroir, including soils of mica schist and shell limestone. The climate, influenced by Lake Neusiedl, is warm and Pannonian, which allows grapes to ripen fully while the cooler winds from the Leithaberg hills help to maintain acidity.

Grapes Used

The Esterházy winery cultivates a wide range of both red and white grape varieties.

  • Red Grapes: 🍇 Blaufränkisch is a flagship grape of the region and a cornerstone of the winery's portfolio. Other red varieties include Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • White Grapes: 🥂 The most important white grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder), Welschriesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Representative Wines and Philosophy

The Esterházy winery combines historical tradition with a contemporary, quality-driven approach. They have been an innovator in the region, being among the first to plant Pinot Noir in Austria in the 18th century. Their philosophy centers on expressing the unique character of their vineyards, which they classify into a three-tier system: regional wine, local wine, and single-vineyard wine.

  • Leithaberg DAC: These are some of their most terroir-driven wines, showcasing the unique minerality and elegance of the Leithaberg region. Both Blaufränkisch (red) and Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc (white) are produced under this classification.

  • Project Wines: The winery also has a dedicated "project wines" series where they experiment with different aging vessels and techniques, such as concrete eggs and various amphorae. This showcases their willingness to push boundaries and innovate.

  • Dessert Wines: Due to their location near Lake Neusiedl, the winery also produces high-quality dessert wines, including Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese, when vintage conditions allow for noble rot.

The winery's dedication to quality has led them to embrace organic viticulture, with certification completed in 2023. This is part of their broader vision to produce authentic, expressive wines that honor their history while looking to the future.

You can learn more about the Esterházy winery's philosophy and its history from this video about the Leithaberg series. Robert Krammer, Weingut Esterhazy