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Neusiedlersee

Austria

About Neusiedlersee

Neusiedlersee is a DAC region in Burgenland, named after the vast, shallow Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) that dominates the landscape. The lake creates a unique microclimate that supports both powerful red wines and world-class sweet wines made from botrytis-affected grapes. Zweigelt is the signature red grape, producing juicy, cherry-driven wines, while the noble sweet wines of Seewinkel rival the great Sauternes.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005
Red
White

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Outstanding Neusiedlersee Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Almost ready
Excellent

Excellent vintage showing great promise with concentrated, well-structured reds. Early tastings suggest wines of exceptional quality and aging potential.

2027Peak 2030–20342037

2022

Ready
Excellent

Excellent vintage producing concentrated, well-structured reds with great aging potential. Wines show exceptional depth, complexity, and regional character.

2025Peak 2028–20322035

2019

At peak
Excellent

Excellent vintage with outstanding reds showing great concentration and structure. Powerful wines with excellent aging potential and complex flavor profiles.

2022Peak 2025–20302032

2017

At peak
Excellent

Excellent vintage producing powerful, well-structured reds with great aging potential. Rich, concentrated wines with excellent tannin structure and complexity.

2020Peak 2023–20282030

2015

At peak
Exceptional

Exceptional vintage producing magnificent reds with outstanding concentration, complexity, and aging potential. Wines of remarkable depth and elegance that define the region's potential.

2018Peak 2022–20302035

2011

Drink now
Excellent

Excellent vintage with powerful, age-worthy reds displaying great depth and complexity. Outstanding examples of Blaufränkisch and premium Zweigelt.

2014Peak 2017–20242028

2009

Drink now
Excellent

Superb vintage with concentrated, complex reds showing excellent structure and aging potential. Rich, ripe fruit with sophisticated tannin management.

2012Peak 2015–20222027

2007

Past window
Excellent

Excellent vintage producing powerful, well-structured reds with great aging potential. Rich fruit flavors balanced by firm tannins and good acidity.

2010Peak 2012–20202025

White

2024

Ready
Excellent

Excellent whites with beautiful concentration and complexity. Early indicators suggest outstanding dessert wines with perfect botrytis development.

2025Peak 2027–20302032

2022

At peak
Excellent

Excellent whites with outstanding balance and complexity. Wines show beautiful fruit concentration while maintaining freshness and mineral character.

2023Peak 2025–20282030

2019

Drink now
Excellent

Excellent whites with beautiful balance of richness and freshness. Outstanding dessert wines with exceptional complexity and aging potential.

2020Peak 2022–20252027

2015

Past window
Excellent

Excellent whites with beautiful concentration and aging potential. Outstanding dessert wines with perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and complex flavors.

2016Peak 2018–20222024

2011

Past window
Excellent

Outstanding whites with remarkable concentration and longevity. Exceptional dessert wines rank among the region's finest ever produced.

2012Peak 2014–20182020

2007

Past window
Excellent

Outstanding whites with beautiful balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality. Exceptional dessert wines with perfect botrytis development.

2008Peak 2010–20152018

Gemeinden

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Terroir & Character

Climate

botrytis-friendlycontinentaldryfog & mistcold winters

Continental climate moderated by Lake Neusiedl, with warm, dry summers and cold winters. The lake creates morning mists that promote noble rot development, while afternoon breezes help concentrate flavors and maintain acidity.

Terroir

gravelmineral-richsand

Predominantly flat terrain with sandy soils mixed with gravel and clay. The shallow Lake Neusiedl acts as a heat reservoir, extending the growing season and creating ideal conditions for late harvest wines. Salt deposits from the ancient seabed add mineral complexity.

Typical Aromas

honeyed apricotbotrytis spiceorange marmaladeacacia blossomcandied gingerdried fig
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Neusiedlersee DAC is reserved for Zweigelt. The region is also famous for Prädikatswein sweet wines (Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Ausbruch) made from botrytis-affected grapes.

DAC Reserve

Barrel-aged Zweigelt with more structure and depth

DAC

Classic fruity Zweigelt from the lake region

Burgenland

Broader state-level designation for other varieties

Prädikatswein

Sweet wine tiers: Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese

Grapes of Neusiedlersee

Chardonnay

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearmelon

Rich, full-bodied whites, some with botrytis influence

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Neusiedlersee wine special?▼
The massive shallow Lake Neusiedl creates an incredible microclimate that's almost magical for winemaking. The lake's warmth and humidity generate perfect conditions for botrytis, producing some of the world's finest dessert wines, while also moderating temperatures for excellent dry reds and whites. You get this rare combination where the same region can make powerful Zweigelt reds and ethereal sweet wines from the same vineyards.
What are the best Neusiedlersee vintages?▼
For recent years, 2015, 2017, and 2019 were exceptional across the board - great concentration in the reds and perfect botrytis conditions for the sweet wines. 2009 was a legendary vintage that's still drinking beautifully now, especially the Blaufränkisch. The 2020 vintage is showing real promise too, with excellent balance and freshness.
What grapes are grown in Neusiedlersee?▼
Zweigelt is the star red grape here - it's Austria's signature variety and thrives in this climate. Blaufränkisch produces more structured, age-worthy reds, while Chardonnay leads the whites with beautiful richness from the lake's influence. For the famous sweet wines, they use varieties like Welschriesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay when they get hit by botrytis.
What food pairs well with Neusiedlersee wines?▼
The Zweigelt reds are perfect with Austrian classics like schnitzel or roasted pork, while the more serious Blaufränkisch pairs beautifully with game and aged cheeses. The region's Chardonnays work wonderfully with lake fish or creamy pasta dishes. Those incredible dessert wines are magical with foie gras, blue cheese, or fruit tarts.
How does Neusiedlersee compare to other major wine regions?▼
It's somewhat like having Bordeaux and Sauternes in one region - you get serious dry wines and world-class dessert wines from the same area. The lake influence is similar to what you see in regions like Finger Lakes or parts of Hungary, but Neusiedlersee has this unique ability to produce both styles at an elite level. The sweet wines genuinely compete with the best from Germany and France.

Map data: Statistik Austria (Bundesanstalt Statistik Österreich)