Feherburgundi Pinot Blanc Franz Weninger 2018

Feherburgundi Pinot Blanc Franz Weninger, biodynamic wine, Pinot Blanc and a little Pinot Gris, delightfully fresh, clean and fruity white wine. Now should I have to limit myself to one single word, describing this wine, it would be freshness. Much of the fruit comes from Frettner which lies on a North-West facing slope, with the Kohlenberger forest in the back. The shadow comes over the vineyard early in the late afternoon. The nights are cooler, and the fresh breeze from the Lake keeps the vineyard constantly aired. The chalky soils are always the best terroir for Pinot Blanc. The small remaining part of the blend is from the Steiner vineyard. Steiner is a few kilometres south-east, but with no forest to balance the local micro-climate, it is much hotter. Temperatures easily reach over 40 degrees in peak summer. The grapes come out golden and are richer and broader in their aromatic profile. Feherburgundi Pinot Blanc Franz Weninger has citrus fruits, stone fruits, minerality and a delicious mouthfeel. A lovely wine for seafood, soft, fruity cheeses or simple pasta dishes. Feherburgundi Pinot Blanc Franz Weninger is a real crowd pleaser.

Franz Weninger comes from a lineage which dates back to the early 19th century in the town of Horitschon, Burgenland in southern Austria.

Not long after the end of communist Hungary, Franz’s Father bought some parcels of vines in Balf, close to Sopron.  Sopron is thought to be the best area for Kekfrankos (Blaufrankisch) in Hungary. The area lies in close proximity to lake Neusiedlersee which also borders Austria.  The lake has a warming influence contrasted by cool winds from the nearby mountains. This special climate makes perfect ripening conditions for Kekfrankos.

Since 2006, the Weninger family have been working biodynamically.  They see Biodynamics as essential for the best quality grapes.  They also want to fully realise the difference in terroir expressed in the sensitive Kekfrankos variety. The soils in Sopron are Gneiss and Mica-schist which yield a different style of wine to nearby Burgenland in Austria.  Burgenland soil has more limestone, chalk, and clay.

Franz Weninger wine production in both Hungary and Austria is dominated by multiple expressions of Kekfrankos.  They also produce Furmint, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, some international varieties like Pinot Noir and they even produce a delicious natural cider. Their commitment to natural farming and quality wine is combined with outstanding value for money.