Weingut Pittnauer

Founders: Gerhard & Brigitte Pittnauer
Location: Gols, Burgenland, Austria
Address: Neubaugasse 90, 7122 Gols, Austria
Telephone: +43 2173 3407
Email: weingut@pittnauer.com
Vineyard Area: Approximately 15 hectares
Altitude: 120–180 m above sea level
Soil Composition: Limestone, gravel, sand, and loess
Climate: Pannonian continental with strong diurnal temperature variation
Affiliations: Member of Pannobile Association
Certifications: Organic and biodynamic practices

Overview

Weingut Pittnauer is a leading natural and biodynamic winery in Austria’s Burgenland region, based in the village of Gols. Run by Gerhard and Brigitte Pittnauer, the estate has become synonymous with innovation, authenticity, and respect for the natural rhythm of the vineyard.

The Pittnauers’ philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and maximum expression. Their work focuses on producing wines that are transparent reflections of their terroir, made with care and patience rather than manipulation.

Viticulture

• Farming Philosophy: Fully organic with biodynamic influences; all vineyard work is manual and in harmony with natural cycles.

• Vineyard Practices: No synthetic fertilizers or herbicides; use of organic compost and cover crops to maintain soil vitality.

• Irrigation: Dry-farmed; vines adapt naturally to annual conditions.

• Harvesting: 100% manual harvest in small containers to ensure gentle handling and fruit selection.

• Grape Varieties:

  • Red: Sankt Laurent, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon

  • White / Orange: Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Riesling, Muskateller

Winemaking

• Fermentation: Predominantly spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts.

• Maturation: Combination of large oak barrels (1,000–3,000 L), 500 L puncheons, and neutral vessels.

• Sulfur Management: Minimal SO₂ additions, often only at bottling; some cuvées bottled without sulfur.

• Clarification: No fining or filtration for most wines to preserve texture and aromatic precision.

• Production Scale: Small to medium; limited annual output across several cuvée tiers.

Portfolio

• Classic Line: Varietal wines highlighting freshness and typicity of Burgenland (Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt).

• Pannobile Line: Terroir-driven wines produced in collaboration with the regional Pannobile group; typically Blaufränkisch and blends.

• Natural Range: Spontaneously fermented, unfiltered wines — including skin-contact whites, rosés, and Pet-Nat sparkling wines.

• Experimental / Small Batch: Limited releases exploring amphora aging, extended maceration, and oxidative styles.

Philosophy

Gerhard Pittnauer describes his work as “a search for balance between nature, intuition, and experience.” The estate’s approach blends biodynamic viticulture, patient cellar work, and a philosophy of letting the wine find its own rhythm.

Every decision — from pruning to bottling — aims to protect the individuality of each vineyard and vintage. The result is a portfolio of wines that are precise, soulful, and reflective of the unique microclimate of Gols and Lake Neusiedl.