PITTNAUER
“Yes, it’s called “Weingut” Pittnauer (mainly because our wine is good). But we are not at all what it is made out to be. Nothing fancy. No SUV and no groove.”
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Pittnauer is the work of Gerhard and Brigitte Pittnauer, pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Austria’s Burgenland region. Gerhard took over the family winery at the age of 18, following the sudden passing of his father, right around the same happening time the widely publicized ‘antifreeze scandal’ marked a turbulent chapter in Austrian wine history. In 1998, Pittnauer joined Pannobile, a collective of regional growers whose collaborative energy played a key role in shaping their evolution and deepening their commitment to expressive, site-driven winemaking.
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Located in Gols near Lake Neusiedl, the estate benefits from a unique microclimate shaped by the lake’s moderating influence. The high diurnal range, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, promotes optimal ripeness and preserves acidity. The soils are varied, comprising sandy loam, gravel, limestone, and loess, which allows for great diversity in expression.
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Since 2006, Pittnauer has fully transitioned to biodynamic farming, with official Demeter certification granted later that year. Another milestone was in 2007, when Gerhard and Brigitte were among the founding members of Respekt-BIODYN, a strict biodynamic growers’ association committed to sustainability and integrity in winemaking.
In the cellar, the husband-and-wife team employs a strict low-intervention approach, utilizing native yeast fermentations, no additives, minimal or no sulfur, and avoiding fining or filtration. Every decision, from the vineyard to the bottle, is rooted in sensitivity to nature and the belief that good wine is made by doing less, not more. Gehrard and Brigitte are directly involved in every step of winemaking and distribution, so you can be sure each bottle has been handled with their utmost care and lively energy.
Talking about energy, Brigitte has a set of sage (and other herbs) burning that she performs every weekend, so the wines can be rested in good energy and the team can come back to work to a space full of positivity! Gehrard has a big love for vinyls, he has a pro vinyl set in the cellar and will put on his favorite tracks for guests and the wines to listen to.
This philosophy has earned Weingut Pittnauer recognition as one of Austria’s most thoughtful and progressive natural wine producers.
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“Where others are already getting cold feet, we are just getting going. In other words: Organic is the absolute minimum standard for us. Nothing goes underneath anyway. Above that comes Biodynamic for us and even more.
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Not only because both are much better for the plants, crawling, flying, squirming and swearing creatures in our vineyards. But also because we feel more comfortable with it and the wine made in this way simply feels different. Yes “feels”.”
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