APETLON at Lake Neusiedl (Burgenland)

With an altitude of only 114 metres (374 feet), Apetlon is the lowest spot in Austria. At the same time, the region has the most days of sunshine in the country. Because the climate of this region is influenced by Lake Neusiedl, even various Mediterranean fruits and vegetables prosper here. And Nikolaus Moser’s ancestors had recognized that these conditions are ideal, particularly for growing grapes for red and sweet wines. The Moser Family has cultivated vineyards in Apetlon since 1960.

The soils consist of deep "Tschernosem" (black earth), with parts heavily laced with gravel – which can radiate heat well after sunset. A high proportion of humus is typical for all sites. The estate’s 27 ha (67 acres) of vineyards are flat or only slightly undulated and, apart from the most important variety by far – the Zweigelt – they are also planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Every year Pinot Blanc, Muskat Ottonel and Sämling 88 (Scheurebe) are vinified into dry white and well as dessert wines of the highest quality. Immediately after the harvest, all grapes are transported for processing to Rohrendorf, where the wines develop until they can be bottled.

The Sites

Hedwighof

14 ha (35 acres). The vines of these vineyards are up to 36 years old. Planted with Zweigelt in 1970, today they provide the grapes for the Zweigelt “Grosse Reserve“. Also planted here are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Reflecting the terroir, the wines tend to feature a mild salty touch. Only Hedwighof is acknowledged as a denomination for Moser´s classic Zweigelt; none of the other wines have a site denomination.

Hollabern

10 ha (25 acres). Since the mid-1990s, the Sepp Moser estate has leased these vineyards from the Apetlon parish. These are planted with Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Muskat Ottonel.

Fuchsenloch

3 ha (7 acres). The Fuchsenloch site is considered one of Apetlon’s best. Since 2003, these vineyards have been leased and planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot blanc and Sämling 88. The structure and complexity of the soils ensure the high quality of the grapes.