Burgenland
Burgenland is situated in the far east of Austria, bordering Hungary, with Niederosterriech in the north and Steiermark to the south. Unofficially called the ‘red wine quarter’, it is most recognised for the production of red wine, due to the warm climate and 2,000 hours of sunshine the region receives each year. The east-facing slopes of Leithagebirge consist of limestone and slate soils which provide the ideal conditions for Blaufränkisch, while in the Neusiedlersee conditions are perfect for the production of powerful, juicy reds made from the indigenous Blauer Zweigelt, and dessert wines such as Ruster Ausbruch. Other important red grape varieties in the region are St Laurent and Pinot Noir, while the exceptional botrytized Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese dessert wines are produced from Welschriesling, Chardonnay and Scheurebe.