Claus Preisinger Heideboden 2022

Heideboden is a distinct vineyard site in Burgenland grown on permeable heather with black soils known for producing particuarly rich wines. For Claus, some of his more voluptuous reds come from here. This one is 70% Merlot and 30% Zweigelt. 50% goes to used mid-sized oak barrels for 7-10 months.

Medium bodied, soft floral nose. Subtle cherry-ness. Soft and round. Blackberry and dried herbs. Juicy but not fruity. Lovely silky tobacco tannin. Great value and versatile wine.

13% ABV

For such a quiet dude that kinda keeps to himself Claus has made a big splash in the world of natural winemaking. The wines are actually beautifully reflective of the man too, minimalist, focused, somewhat reserved but overwhelmingly charming. Claus's wines were my (and I think many others) gateway drug into not only Austrian natural wines but also Eastern/Central European wines in general.

He has ~19 hectares of vineyards and a really smartly designed modern, and of course, minimalist winery (and quite a good record collection too...). The vineyards are spread on the east side of Lake Neusiedl over three villages. The production is focused on the indigenous grape varieties Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Merlot is back up for the blends and Pinot Noir is amusement.

"The wines are my image of the nature. I try not to influence artificially in the vineyard and cellar. Also if I could amend the wine, I do not, because I want to show, what nature gives.

Small, native, none globalized, unconsulted (or personal). Emotion, passion, instinct, nose, mouth and to act spontaneously.”" - Claus Preisinger