Our historic vineyards
Our 50 hectares of prized vineyards are amongst the oldest geological sites in Burgenland and are located over 8km along the Leithaberg Hills on the NW shore of Lake Neusiedl.
Wine has been made and grown in our region since the Roman times but the foundation for today’s viticulture was laid by the Cistercian monks from the Heiligenkreuz Monastery. In 1203 King Emmerich donated a tract of land, our famous Kirchberg, and the industrious monks soon realised its potential for wine growing.
We can trace back the introduction of Burgundian grape varieties and cultivation skills to our region to this era and it explains why our region is renowned for its Burgundian wines as well as traditional Austrian varietals.
Our vineyards
Our 50 hectares of prized vineyards are amongst the oldest geological sites in Burgenland and are located over 8km along the Leithaberg Hills on the NW shore of Lake Neusiedl.
Wine has been made and grown in our region since the Roman times but the foundation for today’s viticulture was laid by the Cistercian monks from the Heiligenkreuz Monastery. In 1203 King Emmerich donated a tract of land, our famous Kirchberg, and the industrious monks soon realised its potential for wine growing.
We can trace back the introduction of Burgundian grape varieties and cultivation skills to our region to this era and it explains why our region is renowned for its Burgundian wines as well as traditional Austrian varietals.
Our soil and location
The Leithaberg soil is a mixture of clay, limestone, chalk, sand, silt, gravel and pre-historic rock.
The majority of our vineyards face southeast and this all contributes to our distinctive and characterful wines.
The spread of our vineyards between the villages of Jois and Purbach allows the vines to benefit from the versatility of the Leithaberg soil which offer a mixture of clay, limestone, chalk, sand, silt, gravel and pre-historic rock.
The northwest region of Lake Neusiedl is quite different to its eastern shores both geologically and climatically. Our vines benefit from the climatic influence of the lake, the reflection from the sun and the mists in the autumn, but also from the cooler winds that blow over the hills from the northwest and influence the diurnal temperature range.
Our soil and location
The Leithaberg soil is a mixture of clay, limestone, chalk, sand, silt, gravel and pre-historic rock. The spread of our vineyards over 8km allows our vines to benefit from this versatility. The majority of our vineyards face southeast and this all contributes to our distinctive and characterful wines.
The spread of our vineyards between the villages of Jois and Purbach allows the vines to benefit from the versatility of the Leithaberg soil which offer a mixture of clay, limestone, chalk, sand, silt, gravel and pre-historic rock.
The northwest region of Lake Neusiedl is quite different to its eastern shores both geologically and climatically. Our vines benefit from the climatic influence of the lake, the reflection from the sun and the mists in the autumn, but also from the cooler winds that blow over the hills from the northwest and influence the diurnal temperature range.
The Leithaberg Region
Our climate
Our region is influenced by three distinct weather patterns. The warm Pannonian climate from the east, the cool winds from the North and the Mediterranean climate in the south.
We receive up to 600ml of rain and 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. More severe winters cause the lake to freeze over and the summers do bring a few days of peak 35ºC temperatures but fortunately the influence of the hills and the lake also create a constant breeze, creating a cooling affect.
It is this combination of cold winters and hot summers adjacent to the Lake Neusiedl, with our mineral rich soils, that proves so optimal for wine making.
Our climate
Our region is influenced by three distinct weather patterns. The warm Pannonian climate from the east, the cool winds from the North and the Mediterranean climate in the south.
We receive up to 600ml of rain and 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. More severe winters cause the lake to freeze over and the summers do bring a few days of peak 35ºC temperatures but fortunately the influence of the hills and the lake also create a constant breeze, creating a cooling affect.
It is this combination of cold winters and hot summers adjacent to the Lake Neusiedl, with our mineral rich soils, that proves so optimal for wine making.
Our premium sites and key vineyards
Kirchberg is still considered one of the classic premium terroirs in Burgenland and is one of our Höpler Estate’s top sites.
Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon ripen beautifully on its slopes. The reflection from Lake Neusiedl and the mild Pannonian climate ensure that the fruits ripen perfectly and develop their typical flavour.
Single Vineyard: Grüner Veltliner Kirchberg and Blaufränkisch Kirchberg.
Aspect: South-eastern direction 8-12% gradient.
Soil: Light brown soil with chalk pebbles and larger stones. At 50cm depth there is chalk bedrock mixed with sandy loam.
Characteristics: A prized site and at 8ha our largest vineyard. First planted by the Cistercean Monks in 1203. We produce two highly regarded single vineyard wines from this site.
Location and occurrence Landscape area “Leithagebirge”; on back and slopes, even to slightly sloping; in the upper floor. Jois, Neusiedl am See and Winden am See.
Soil type Eurendsina from limestone rubble (detritic Leitha limestone).
Water conditions Dry; low storage capacity, moderate permeability.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A (20-40); AC (60-70); Cv (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction A, AC sandy loam with moderate to high coarse content (gravel, stones, coarse stones)
Cv calcareous rubble.
Humus conditions A, AC slightly humus to medium humus.
Lime content Very calcareous.
Soil reaction Neutral to alkaline.
Risk of erosion Not endangered.
Machinability Processing made difficult by coarse fraction.
Natural land value Medium-quality arable land.
Other Information When using arable fields, the Ap-Horizont (0-25/30cm), when using the vineyards, Arig-Horizont (0-40cm).
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Aspect: South-eastern slope with a view over Lake Neusiedl.
Soil: Sandy clay with a pebbly under layer and isolated lime stones.
Characteristics: A simply excellent Pinot site. Our premium single vineyard Pinot Noir Rosenberg is born here!
Location and occurrence Slopes, backs, planes; flat to slightly sloping; in all upper floors. with the exception of Neufeld a. d. L.
Soil type Chernosem from calcareous fine sediments (Tertiary, loess).
Water conditions Moderately dry; moderate to high storage capacity, moderate permeability.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A1p (20-30); A2 (50-60); C (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction Sandy loam or loamy silt, e.g. Sometimes also clay, occasionally a small coarse fraction (gravel, gravel) possible in the A1p horizon,
Humus conditions A1p medium humus. A2 weak to moderately humus.
Lime content Very calcareous.
Soil reaction Alkaline.
Risk of erosion Moderately endangered wind and z. T. moderately at risk of being washed away.
Machinability Easy to work with.
Natural land value High-quality arable land.
Other Information Medium-heavy tertiary sediments predominate as the starting material. Loess deposits are adjacent to the KB. Mattersburg, in Zillingtal, Wulkaprodersdorf, Siegendorf and Eisenstadt. In Großhöflein, Kleinhöflein and Zillingtal there is also clay as a soil type, in Oslip the C-horizon consists occasionally of clayey sand. In Siegendorf there are approx. 2 hectares southwest of the Rochus Chapel on a steep slope (not shown separately in the map). When using the vineyard, there is a risk of chlorosis with a very high lime content.
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Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir.
Aspect: South-facing.
Soil: Balance of clay, sand and silt. In lower regions, a strong presence of limestone and slate.
Characteristics: Wonderful red wine site for wines with a high mineral content.
Location and occurrence Landscape area eitha- on middle and lower slopes or slope flattening, even to slightly inclined; in the upper floor. Jois and winches on the lake.
Soil type Calcareous loose sediment brown earth from fine and coarse colluvial material.
Water conditions Well supplied by slope water; moderate permeability, moderate storage power.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A (20-40); From 100.
Soil type and coarse fraction A sandy loam with a high coarse content (gravel, stones) AB loam, occasionally also sandy loam with a high coarse content (gravel, stones).
Humus conditions A, AB slightly humus to medium humus; Rubble.
Lime content A Very calcareous.
Soil reaction Neutral.
Risk of erosion Not endangered.
Machinability Processing made difficult by coarse fraction.
Natural land value High-quality arable land.
Other Information When using arable fields, the Ap-Horizont (0-25 / 30 cm), when using the vineyards, Arig-Horizont (0-40 cm).
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc.
Aspect: South-facing.
Soil: Clay silt with gravel particles.
Characteristics: Good Burgundy site.
Location and occurrence “Niederung” landscape area; on the lowland of the lake; just; in the upper floor. Jois, Neusiedl am See and Winden am See.
Soil type Salinated, carbonate damp black earth from fine alluvial material (lake sediments).
Water conditions Well supplied by groundwater; high storage capacity, low permeability.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A1 (20-40); A2 (60-90); AG (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction Loamy clay or clay.
Humus conditions A1 very humic; Rubble. A2 medium to high humic; Moorland. AG slightly humus to medium humus; Moorland.
Lime content Contains a lot of carbonate, the carbonate content increases to over 40%.
Soil reaction Alkaline.
Risk of erosion Not endangered
Machinability Processing hampered by the weight of the soil.
Natural Land value Medium to high quality arable land.
Other Information When using arable fields, the Ap-Horizont (0-25 / 30 cm), when using the vineyards, Arig-Horizont (0-40 cm).
Varietal: Grüner Veltliner.
Aspect: South-facing.
Soil: Mix of limestone clay, sand and silt. In lower regions, and a high % of limestone at 50cm and deeper.
Characteristics: This site is a good all-rounder. It is fairly flat and the soil retains moisture in hotter years.
Varietal: Grüner Veltliner.
Aspect: West-facing.
Soil: Clay, limestone rocks, gravel, sand.
Characterisitcs: Steeper gradient a drier site.
Size of the soil shape 130 ha = 0.6% of the mapped area.
Location and occurrence Landscape area “Leithagebirge”; on the back and upper slopes, even to slightly sloping; in the upper floor. Jois and winches on the lake.
Soil type Eurendsina from limestone rubble (detritic Leitha limestone).
Water conditions Very dry; high permeability, low storage capacity.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A (20-25); AC (35-40); Cv (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction A sandy loam or loam with moderate AC up to a high proportion of coarse (gravel, stones, coarse stones) Cv rock weathering (limestone rubble).
Humus conditions A, AC strongly humic.
Lime content Very calcareous, carbonate content rising over 20%.
Soil reaction Alkaline.
Risk of erosion Not endangered.
Machinability In the case of arable land, processing made more difficult due to coarse fraction; Easy to drive on when using grassland.
Natural land value Low-quality arable land, low-quality grassland.
Other Information In the upper floor. Winden am See can be found in hilltops with small areas of shallow Eurendsinen, which have been assigned to this type of soil for cartographic reasons
Varietals: St Laurent.
Aspect: West.
Soil: Quartz-slate soil.
Characteristics: Cooler site, particularly suitable for early ripening varietals.
Location and occurrence Landscape area “Leithagebirge”; on the summit including the ridge of the Hackelsberg to the northeast on the upper floor. Jois, even to slightly inclined.
Soil type Crystalline slate tendrils.
Water conditions Very dry; very high permeability, very low storage capacity.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A (10); Cv (20-30); Cn (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction A sandy silt with a very high coarse content (gravel, stones). Cv predominantly coarse fraction (grit, stones); heavily weathered rock. Cn rock
Humus conditions A very humic; Mold mud.
Lime content Lime-free.
Soil reaction Acidic.
Risk of erosion Not endangered.
Machinability Easy to drive on.
Natural land value Low-quality grassland, pasture.
Varietals: Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
Aspect: South East.
Soil: Sand, clay, gravel and limestone.
Characteristics: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Location and occurrence Backs, planes, slopes; flat to slightly sloping; in all upper floors. Exceptions from Großhöflein, Klingenbach, Neufeld a. d. L., Siegendorf i. B., Oggau and Trausdorf a. d. W.
Soil type Rendsina made of limestone or limestone rubble (Leitha limestone, sand-lime brick).
Water conditions Moderately dry; moderate storage power, moderate permeability
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) A1p (20-30); A2 (40-60); C (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction A1p, A2 loam or sandy loam with a moderate to high coarse content (stones, gravel). C Standing or worn rock.
Humus conditions A1p, A2 medium humus; Rubble.
Lime content Very calcareous.
Soil reaction Alkaline.
Risk of erosion Not endangered.
Machinability Processing by coarse fraction and z. T. Heavy soil type difficult.
Natural land value Medium-quality arable land.
Other Information The areas are mostly used as vineyards. The lime content fluctuates mainly between 20 and 40%.
Varietals: Chardonnay and Zweigelt.
Aspect: South East.
Soil: Clay, gravel and limestone mix.
Characteristics: A warmer site suitable for more heat resistant varietals.
Varietals: Pinot Blanc and Zweigelt.
Aspect: South East, gradient 8%.
Soil: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Characteristics: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Location and occurrence Back, slopes; even to pending; in all upper floors. with the exception of Neufeld a. d. L., Oggau, Siegendorf i. B. and Trausdorf a. d. W.
Soil type Rendsina made of limestone or limestone rubble (Leitha limestone, sand-lime brick).
Water conditions Dry; low storage capacity, high permeability.
Horizons (each lower limit in cm) Ap (20-30); C1 (50); C2 (100).
Soil type and coarse fraction Ap sandy loam with moderate coarse content (crushed stone, gravel, stones, gravel). C1 loamy sand or sandy loam with moderate coarse content (stones, gravel). C2 standing or worn rock.
Humus conditions Ap middle humos; Rubble.
Lime content Very calcareous.
Soil reaction Alkaline.
Risk of erosion z. T. moderately at risk of being washed away.
Machinability Easy to work with.
Natural land value Low to medium quality arable land.
Other Information The areas are often used as vineyards, but there is a risk of chlorosis if the lime content is very high. The lime content fluctuates strongly – in the Ap horizon between under 10 and 40% and in the C1 horizon between 50 and over 60%.