History
The area has a very old wine-growing tradition, as the Celts were already cultivating vines here 2,500 years ago. This is documented by archaeological finds.
Wine-growing communities
Rosalia comprises the municipalities of Antau, Bad Sauerbrunn, Baumgarten, Drassburg, Forchtenstein, Hirm, Loipersbach, Marz, Mattersburg, Neudörfl, Pöttelsdorf, Pöttsching, Rohrbach, Schattendorf, Sieggraben, Sigleß, Wiesen and Zemendorf-Stöttera.
Climate & Soils
A Pannonian climate prevails with mild and rainy summers and cold winters due to continental influences. Due to the proximity to the foothills of the Alps in the west, the nights cool down considerably, resulting in the climatic effect of cool climate winegrowing with wines of a special typicity. The loamy and sandy soils provide favourable conditions for viticulture, especially for red and rosé wines.
Grape variety index
In 2022, the vineyards covered 241 hectares of vines. Compared to 2017 with 297 hectares, this was a reduction of 56 hectares (18.9%). The share of white wine varieties is 23%, the share of red wine varieties 77%. The red wine variety Blaufränkisch, followed by Zweigelt and Grüner Veltliner, dominates with just under half of the total area.
DAC system
From the 2017 vintage, the origin-controlled quality level Rosalia DAC was introduced. All other quality wines must be marketed with the Burgenland designation of origin, while regional wines must be marketed under the wine-growing region designation Weinland. In addition to the generally applicable DAC conditions, the following rules apply:
The red wine Rosalia DAC must be produced from the varieties Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt with a minimum of 85% each. The alcohol content must be at least 12% by volume and the residual sugar content must not exceed 4 g/litre. The wines must be matured in stainless steel tanks or large wooden barrels and should have a complex bouquet typical of the region as well as a finesse-rich, fruity and spicy flavour.
The general regulations for reserve wines apply to Rosalia DAC Reserve red wines. The alcohol content must be at least 13% vol. A vineyard may be indicated on the label.
Rosalia DAC Rosé must be vinified from one or more red quality wine grape varieties (in accordance with Austrian wine law). The indication of a grape variety on the label is not permitted, but the indication of a vineyard is. The wine must be matured dry in stainless steel tanks or in wooden barrels. It must have a bouquet of red berries and a fresh, fruity and spicy flavour.
The application to obtain the state inspection number may be submitted from 1 January of the year following the harvest. In the case of the Reserve stage, this may take place from 1 May of the second year following the harvest.
Producers
The leading company in the wine-growing region is Domaine Pöttelsdorf, which cultivates more than two thirds of the total vineyard area. Others are Alfred Fischer, JBN, Lassl, Migsich, Piribauer, Franz Steiger, Vinum Rosalia and Waldherr.
Map: © ÖWM
