The Weninger family name is first mentioned in Horitschon’s town records in 1828. Back then, typically for the area, they owned a mixed farm with a few cows, arable land and around 5 hectares of vines. In the 90s the farm was slowly converted to winemaking, with the addition of new vineyards just across the Hungarian border near Sopron. Franz Weninger grew up amid the vines in Horitschon, learning to make wine with his father and going on to study oenology in Klosterneuburg and pursue internships abroad. He was only 18 when he became responsible for the vineyards near Sopron and remembers being taken aback by the stunning view as the clouds lifted over Lake Neusiedl, revealing an untouched land- and water-scape. Here, the mild Pannonian climate from the east meets the cooler alpine climate that blows from the west, creating ideal conditions for grape-growing. Lake Neusiedl, or Neusiedlersee, also plays its part: the large, flat expanse of water retains the warmth of the day, returning it to the night skies. Since 2011, Franz has managed the full estate, spread between Sopron and Burgenland. He has worked biodynamically since 2006 and was one of the many considered crazy for making what is now more widely known as ‘natural wine’. Despite numerous setbacks and challenges over the years, he is steadfast in his commitment to biodynamic farming and soil health.
Rózsa Petsovits is a wine steeped in history. Named after Franz’s grandmother, it recalls a time when the borders lay differently and is a ‘rosé to remember’. Rózsa was born in 1921 in Horitschon, Hungary; the same year that the town became part of Austria. Just as Franz continues to work on both sides of the border, this wine mixes Syrah from Hungary with Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir from Austria. A clean, fresh and juicy wine with good grip and a dash of strawberry. Enjoy slightly chilled around 10° with fried rice, harissa and (most importantly) a generous spoon of yoghurt.