Weingut Pittnauer

Gerhard tends 15 hectares, half of which he owns and half of which he rents, alongside his wife Brigitte to create what they call living wines. All work is done manually from composting to pruning. There is no calendar that drives them. Nothing is rushed: they believe in quality over speed. They taste for perfect ripeness, select the cleanest grapes, and begin the wine in the cellar in response to the conditions of the vintage. They do incorporate a bit of modern technology: a pneumatic press, temperature-controlled steel tanks and pumps, all to ensure the purity and freshness of the fruit remains. They are making wines that excite them with the unique voice of the varietal and the deep limestone soils of the terroir speaking clearly. Gerhard and Brigitte are aware of the evolution of their tastes as well as the vineyard’s. They are students presenting the current findings. Not with proud declaration, but with excited experimental energy to get the best of what they have. So far, it is delicious research. - Savio Soares Selections

About the Winemaker

Weingut Pittnauer

Gerhard Pittnauer's wine and spirit emanate simplicity and honesty, rooted in his generosity and humility. Taking over his vineyard in the mid-1980s after his father's sudden death, Gerhard, then only 18, navigated the tumultuous Austrian wine market, teaching himself winemaking amidst chaos. Embracing the uniqueness of his land and indigenous grapes, he experimented until he found his approach: to 'grow' wine rather than 'make' it in the cellar, focusing on autochthonous varietals. Inspired by wines from France and beyond, he adopted biodynamics, tending 15 hectares with his wife Brigitte to create what they call living wines. They eschew calendars, prioritizing quality over speed, selecting grapes for perfect ripeness and responding to vintage conditions in the cellar.

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The Region

Burgenland, Austria

Nestled in the heart of Austria, Burgenland is a haven for wine enthusiasts seeking something truly special. Here, amidst rolling hills and serene lakes, a new generation of winemakers, like the visionary Sarah Müller, are redefining the region's viticultural landscape. With a deep respect for tradition and an unwavering commitment to innovation, Sarah crafts wines that capture the essence of Burgenland's terroir with unparalleled finesse. From the elegant whites of Grüner Veltliner to the velvety reds of Blaufränkisch, each bottle tells a story of passion and dedication, reflecting Sarah's tireless pursuit of excellence. In Burgenland, wine isn't just a drink—it's a way of life, a celebration of nature's bounty, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the region.