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The Neusiedlersee-Hügelland wine region lies west of the Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) within the state of Burgenland in Austria. It is one of the most versatile areas of the country in terms of the styles of wine produced. This diversity can be attributed to the variety of terroirs found throughout the region.
Neusiedlersee-Hügelland can be divided into three very distinct wine-growing zones. The most northern of these is the Leithagebirge, where most vineyards are planted on the south-facing slopes of an area regarded as the last foothills of the Alps. The highly calcareous (lime-rich) soil here, with its healthy dose of mica schist, produces rich and characterful white wines with a distinct minerality. Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the prominent grape varieties. Furmint and Sauvignon Blanc also produce quality wines.
Close to the Neusiedler See lies an historic region centered around the town of Rust. It is here that the fragrant 'Ruster Ausbruch' sweet dessert wine is made. The lake acts both as a temperature regulator and, more importantly, as a source for autumn humidity and warmth. This encourages the spread of Botrytis cinera (noble rot), which, in turn, is responsible for the region's signature Ausbruch wines.
Further south, around the small towns of Zagersdorf and Pöttelsdorf, growing conditions are more similar to the hot and dry Mittelburgenland region and red wines do well here – mainly based on Blaufränkisch. Baluburgunder (Pinot Noir) also produces elegant wines, as does Zweigelt and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon.
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