2020 Claus Preisinger Kieselstein Zweigelt

WINEMAKER: Claus Preisinger
VARIETAL: Zweigelt
REGION: Burgenland, AT
VITICULTURE: Certified Biodynamic

Claus Preisinger’s Zweigelt is grown on pebbly, gravelly (Kiesel) soils in Burgenland. The rocky soils and the temperate microclimate around Lake Neusiedlersee form the perfect conditions for Zweigelt. The grapes are fermented semi-carbonically in large used oak and sandstone jars where it ages for 10 months.

Claus Preisinger’s winery is nestled in the village of Gols by Lake Neusiedlersee in Burgenland. Claus first started making wine with this father as a hobby, but after working with Hans Nittnaus, a neighbouring winemaker for a few years, decided that wine was his true calling. In 2004 he was one of the founding members of the Pannobile group of winemakers, a group that uses respect for the land and terroir to preserve traditions in Burgenland. His first vintage was in 2000, and since then he has expanded his father’s 3 hectares to the 17 hectares of vines he cultivates today. His vineyard work is meticulous and he is deeply in touch with his land. He uses a mixture of techniques including homeopathic teas, compost from cattle and horses and works strictly from Steiner philosophies. His vines are spread across 58 parcels and are largely planted to indigenous varieties such as Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.