Walk into a natural wine shop or bar in Europe, and you’ll likely spot a Preisinger wine. Whether it’s the minimal labels of wines like Kalkstein, the dash of colour on the front of Fruit Loops, or the familiar slim bottle and looping script of Putsza Libre, Claus has put Burgenland firmly on the map. Claus has been making wine for well over a decade, and was one of the pioneers of organic winemaking in Burgenland. In 2004 he became part of Pannobile, a group of Austrian winemakers committed to the soil, character and climate of the region, and converted to biodynamic farming in 2006, regarding healthy soil as the mainstay of quality, uncompromised wine. The winery is nestled on the outskirts of Gols, a distinctively modern work of architecture that sits comfortably against a backdrop of vineyards and wind turbines. 22 hectares of vines are divided over 60 plus parcels that are scattered across the villages of Weiden, Mönchhof and Gols itself. This area is renowned for Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, indigenous varieties that thrive in the unique, Pannonian microclimate. With Lake Neusiedl to the north and Alpine foothills to the south, the grapes flourish in the warm summers and long hours of sunshine, contrasted by cold but dry winters.
Grown on limestone soils, this wine has sour cherry flavours throughout and a satisfying saline finish. Medium bodied with gentle tannins, it’s more complex than the quaffable Puszta Libre, but just as much of a crowd-pleaser. The Blaufränkisch grapes were fermented in stainless steel, with both carbonic and semi-carbonic maceration, before aging in 1000L and 3500L old oak barrels. Drink at around 12–14° and pair with game pie.