Soil diversity on the Leithaberg
The Esterházy winery currently cultivates 21 vineyards with an impressive variety of soils. In order to optimise the typicality of each vineyard, we have carried out detailed soil analyses and developed individual cultivation concepts for each vineyard. The 12 most exciting soil profiles can also be tasted in the winery's cellar as part of a Tour & Tastings can be visited. Below you will find detailed information on the nature of the vineyards and their individual specialities.
Single vineyard Herrschaftsbreite – Grosshöflein
The Herrschaftsbreite vineyard is an alluvial cone formed by the erosion of the Leithaberg. It therefore has a different geological structure. Esterházy's Herrschaftsbreite vineyard is situated at an altitude of 200 to 210 metres above sea level and faces south-east with a gentle slope of 2 to 3 per cent.
The south-east orientation means plenty of morning sun and little evening sun. Photosynthesis therefore begins early in the morning and the vines dry quickly from the morning dew. The intensity of the sunlight then decreases significantly in the afternoon. Heat stress in midsummer can thus be avoided.
The topsoil consists of a humus-rich, clayey loam that gives the wines strength. The subsoil is made up of weathered limestone and loess. This ‘grusy’ subsoil makes for soft, elegant wines.
Single vineyard Herrschaftsbreite – Grosshöflein
The Herrschaftsbreite vineyard is an alluvial cone formed by the erosion of the Leithaberg. It therefore has a different geological structure. Esterházy's Herrschaftsbreite vineyard is situated at an altitude of 200 to 210 metres above sea level and faces south-east with a gentle slope of 2 to 3 per cent.
The south-east orientation means plenty of morning sun and little evening sun. Photosynthesis therefore begins early in the morning and the vines dry quickly from the morning dew. The intensity of the sunlight then decreases significantly in the afternoon. Heat stress in midsummer can thus be avoided.
The topsoil consists of a humus-rich, clayey loam that gives the wines strength. The subsoil is made up of weathered limestone and loess. This ‘grusy’ subsoil makes for soft, elegant wines.
Single vineyard Bandkräftn – Rust
The Bandkräftn vineyard is located directly north of the town limits of Rust and extends from 117 to 142 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located at the western end of the vineyard and has a slope inclination of 6-8 % and faces east. This allows the morning dew to be dried by the first rays of sunshine and, together with the steady wind, ensures rapid drying and therefore low infection pressure. The orientation also ensures that the intense evening sun cannot burn the grapes. Despite the low altitude and close proximity to Lake Neusiedl, it is therefore a moderately warm location that is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc.
The soil is very rich in limestone and increasingly mixed with mica schist at depth. The site is rather dry, which is why the loam/loess content in the topsoil is extremely important for the water balance of the soil. The sand content in the soil allows the vines to root deep into the soil.
Single vineyard Bandkräftn – Rust
The Bandkräftn vineyard is located directly north of the town limits of Rust and extends from 117 to 142 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located at the western end of the vineyard and has a slope inclination of 6-8 % and faces east. This allows the morning dew to be dried by the first rays of sunshine and, together with the steady wind, ensures rapid drying and therefore low infection pressure. The orientation also ensures that the intense evening sun cannot burn the grapes. Despite the low altitude and close proximity to Lake Neusiedl, it is therefore a moderately warm location that is perfect for Sauvignon Blanc.
The soil is very rich in limestone and increasingly mixed with mica schist at depth. The site is rather dry, which is why the loam/loess content in the topsoil is extremely important for the water balance of the soil. The sand content in the soil allows the vines to root deep into the soil.
Single vineyard Oberer Wald – Rust
The Oberer Wald vineyard is one of the most sought-after vineyards in Rust and is located on the wine-growing border with Oggau. It stretches from 140 to 189 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located in the centre, faces south-east and has a slope of 12% in the upper part. Unusually, the best soil composition in this vineyard is found at the bottom. The topsoil of brown forest soil is only 40cm thick, from 60cm the soil consists of pure shell limestone, some of which has already decomposed to chalk. The soil is also very deep and holds water very well, which is why it only warms up slowly.
This microclimate is absolutely world-class, which is why we grow the grapes for our single-vineyard Pinot Blanc here!
Single vineyard Oberer Wald – Rust
The Oberer Wald vineyard is one of the most sought-after vineyards in Rust and is located on the wine-growing border with Oggau. It stretches from 140 to 189 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located in the centre, faces south-east and has a slope of 12% in the upper part. Unusually, the best soil composition in this vineyard is found at the bottom. The topsoil of brown forest soil is only 40cm thick, from 60cm the soil consists of pure shell limestone, some of which has already decomposed to chalk. The soil is also very deep and holds water very well, which is why it only warms up slowly.
This microclimate is absolutely world-class, which is why we grow the grapes for our single-vineyard Pinot Blanc here!
Single vineyard Fasangarten & Frauenholz – Sankt Margarethen
The Fasangarten and Frauenholz site is located on the south-western border to Trausdorf. It extends from 143 to 154 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located on the eastern edge of the site and is predominantly north-facing. Due to the slight slope of around 3-4%, the resulting reduction in sunlight is not extreme, but it does mean that this site can usually be harvested two weeks after the surrounding vineyards.
The topsoil consists of black earth, from around 60cm the soil is highly calcareous and also well interspersed with clay. The water retention capacity is therefore quite high, which means that the soil only warms up slowly. This is a basic requirement in the otherwise dry area, in order to be able to harvest some of our best Grüner Veltliner grapes from this area in the future.
Single vineyard Fasangarten & Frauenholz – Sankt Margarethen
The Fasangarten and Frauenholz site is located on the south-western border to Trausdorf. It extends from 143 to 154 metres above sea level. Our vineyard is located on the eastern edge of the site and is predominantly north-facing. Due to the slight slope of around 3-4%, the resulting reduction in sunlight is not extreme, but it does mean that this site can usually be harvested two weeks after the surrounding vineyards.
The topsoil consists of black earth, from around 60cm the soil is highly calcareous and also well interspersed with clay. The water retention capacity is therefore quite high, which means that the soil only warms up slowly. This is a basic requirement in the otherwise dry area, in order to be able to harvest some of our best Grüner Veltliner grapes from this area in the future.
Single vineyard Geisrücken – Sankt Margarethen
The Geisrücken site is located at one of the highest points of the St. Margarethener Kogl, right by the car park entrance to the opera house in the quarry - just on the opposite side of the main road. Our vineyard lies at around 190 metres above sea level and is almost flat. The super-barren soil consists of shell limestone with sandstone components after about 40cm and is therefore very well drained. Due to the lack of slope, the site only has access to the water that rains down directly above it. The roots can penetrate the soil very well and go deep. Together with the very constant, quite strong wind, this site is somewhat cooler and, together with the barrenness, an absolute top site for Chardonnay. The grapes here are rather small and the yields low, but the quality is fantastic.
Single vineyard Geisrücken – Sankt Margarethen
The Geisrücken site is located at one of the highest points of the St. Margarethener Kogl, right by the car park entrance to the opera house in the quarry - just on the opposite side of the main road. Our vineyard lies at around 190 metres above sea level and is almost flat. The super-barren soil consists of shell limestone with sandstone components after about 40cm and is therefore very well drained. Due to the lack of slope, the site only has access to the water that rains down directly above it. The roots can penetrate the soil very well and go deep. Together with the very constant, quite strong wind, this site is somewhat cooler and, together with the barrenness, an absolute top site for Chardonnay. The grapes here are rather small and the yields low, but the quality is fantastic.
Single vineyard Kogl – Sankt Margarethen
The majority of the vineyards in this area belong to the Esterhazy estate. The Kogl vineyard is highly fragmented and therefore climatically quite heterogeneous. However, the soil composition is extremely homogeneous. The site completely surrounds the opera grounds of the opera house in the quarry and a (worthwhile) visit to the opera house clearly shows the soil composition: barren, fine limestone sandstone and 20-30 metres deep!
Pinot Noir feels very much at home in the warmer southern vineyards, which are protected by neighbouring woodland. In the north-east, we have found very distinct microclimates for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which allow the grapes to ripen in a very controlled manner. The water supply on the slopes of the Kogl is good and the vines can root deeply here.
Single vineyard Kogl – Sankt Margarethen
The majority of the vineyards in this area belong to the Esterhazy estate. The Kogl vineyard is highly fragmented and therefore climatically quite heterogeneous. However, the soil composition is extremely homogeneous. The site completely surrounds the opera grounds of the opera house in the quarry and a (worthwhile) visit to the opera house clearly shows the soil composition: barren, fine limestone sandstone and 20-30 metres deep!
Pinot Noir feels very much at home in the warmer southern vineyards, which are protected by neighbouring woodland. In the north-east, we have found very distinct microclimates for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which allow the grapes to ripen in a very controlled manner. The water supply on the slopes of the Kogl is good and the vines can root deeply here.
Single vineyard Lamer - Sankt Margarethen
Our single vineyard Lamer is one of the highest locations on the hills around Rust at about 200 meters above sea level. The higher lying plateau has a mild slope of 1%, facing in a south-easterly direction. The wind is much stronger in this exposed location than in lower lying sites.
As a result, the grapes are well aerated and the risk of rot is very low. The neighbouring Margarethen community forest serves to cool temperatures down in the evenings. This cooler climate is ideal for white wines, rich in finesse.
The soil consists of weathered mica slate and is predominantly free of lime. The name Lamer is derived from the topsoil, which consists of a thin layer of clay. This special soil composition produces wines with lots of freshness and subtle, smoky minerality.
Single vineyard Lamer - Sankt Margarethen
Our single vineyard Lamer is one of the highest locations on the hills around Rust at about 200 meters above sea level. The higher lying plateau has a mild slope of 1%, facing in a south-easterly direction. The wind is much stronger in this exposed location than in lower lying sites.
As a result, the grapes are well aerated and the risk of rot is very low. The neighbouring Margarethen community forest serves to cool temperatures down in the evenings. This cooler climate is ideal for white wines, rich in finesse.
The soil consists of weathered mica slate and is predominantly free of lime. The name Lamer is derived from the topsoil, which consists of a thin layer of clay. This special soil composition produces wines with lots of freshness and subtle, smoky minerality.
Single vineyard Hartmisch – Sankt Margarethen
The Hartmisch site is located directly on the south-western border to Rust. At 179-208 metres above sea level, it is quite high. Our vines are located directly in the uppermost part and face south-east. The dry infiltrated soil can hardly retain moisture and therefore warms up faster than water-retaining soils. The significantly increasing mineral content in the subsoil, including mica rock, enables good, deep rooting of the vines and provides good protection against drought stress. The Chardonnay grapes harvested here are regularly among the most concentrated and flavoursome of the vintage. They also have a distinctly different flavour than the grapes from limestone sites, which impressively demonstrates that a large proportion of the nutrient uptake here takes place deep in the subsoil.
Single vineyard Hartmisch – Sankt Margarethen
The Hartmisch site is located directly on the south-western border to Rust. At 179-208 metres above sea level, it is quite high. Our vines are located directly in the uppermost part and face south-east. The dry infiltrated soil can hardly retain moisture and therefore warms up faster than water-retaining soils. The significantly increasing mineral content in the subsoil, including mica rock, enables good, deep rooting of the vines and provides good protection against drought stress. The Chardonnay grapes harvested here are regularly among the most concentrated and flavoursome of the vintage. They also have a distinctly different flavour than the grapes from limestone sites, which impressively demonstrates that a large proportion of the nutrient uptake here takes place deep in the subsoil.
Single vineyard Schildten - Sankt Georgen
This pristine site was first mentioned in 1570 under the name "Schildt Huet", and has been owned by Esterhazy since 1641. The name Schildten is derived from its peculiar shape: uphill it gets wider and wider, before converging again at the end - in the shape of a shield. The site faces south-south-east at an altitude of 175 to 200 meters above sea level, with a gradient of 9 to 10%.
These factors ensure optimal exposure to sunlight during the day, while being cooled down by downward drafts from the forests in the evening. This ensures ideal ripening conditions during the day and perfect aroma storage at night.
The soil consists of sparse brown earth, interspersed with limestone. The lime content is extremely high, delivering wines with a tight structure, carried by minerality rather than exuberant fruit.
Single vineyard Schildten - Sankt Georgen
This pristine site was first mentioned in 1570 under the name "Schildt Huet", and has been owned by Esterhazy since 1641. The name Schildten is derived from its peculiar shape: uphill it gets wider and wider, before converging again at the end - in the shape of a shield. The site faces south-south-east at an altitude of 175 to 200 meters above sea level, with a gradient of 9 to 10%.
These factors ensure optimal exposure to sunlight during the day, while being cooled down by downward drafts from the forests in the evening. This ensures ideal ripening conditions during the day and perfect aroma storage at night.
The soil consists of sparse brown earth, interspersed with limestone. The lime content is extremely high, delivering wines with a tight structure, carried by minerality rather than exuberant fruit.
Single vineyard Schneiderteil - Sankt Georgen
Esterhazy has owned the Schneiderteil site since 1778. The linguistic origin of the name can no longer be traced. It is a single vineyard site within the larger site called Kogl. Located above St. Georgen, this vineyard faces south and extends from 190 to 215 meters above sea level with a slope of 8 to 10%. The soil warms up very quickly during the day, which is why this historic white wine site was converted to a red wine site as early as 1997.
Due to the bordering forest above, the site is rapidly cooled during the night by drafts descending from the forest. This results in large day and night temperature differences. Cool nights store aromatic substances, while hot temperatures during the day ensure optimal ripeness.
These sparse soils have a high lime content of 40 to 60%. This is perfect for Merlot, which produces perfect grapes on soils with high lime content. The lime delivers tight acidity, which perfectly balances these full-bodied wines.
Ried Schneiderteil
Esterhazy has owned the Schneiderteil site since 1778. The linguistic origin of the name can no longer be traced. It is a single vineyard site within the larger site called Kogl. Located above St. Georgen, this vineyard faces south and extends from 190 to 215 meters above sea level with a slope of 8 to 10%. The soil warms up very quickly during the day, which is why this historic white wine site was converted to a red wine site as early as 1997.
Due to the bordering forest above, the site is rapidly cooled during the night by drafts descending from the forest. This results in large day and night temperature differences. Cool nights store aromatic substances, while hot temperatures during the day ensure optimal ripeness.
These sparse soils have a high lime content of 40 to 60%. This is perfect for Merlot, which produces perfect grapes on soils with high lime content. The lime delivers tight acidity, which perfectly balances these full-bodied wines.
Single vineyard Pirichen - Oslip
The name Pirichen is derived from Pirichendorf, a village between St. Georgen and Schützen am Gebirge which was deserted 250 years ago. Today this area is called Osliper Wald and belongs to the viticultural district of Oslip.
5 ha of forest were cleared in 2016 for this vineyard site. In turn another 5 ha were reforested in another area. The forest soil was developed into a cultivated field until 2021 - the planting year. For this purpose, different cover crops were cultivated and tilled again to raise the humus content. This topsoil is only 50 cm deep, with the subsoil consisting of 100% maritime limestone.
The largest of these 3 plots faces south. The upper part is planted with Chardonnay, while the steepest part below is planted with Blaufränkisch. Just below this site is a small vineyard which tilts to the south-south-west, planted with Furmint. The third site faces south-east towards Lake Neusiedl. This site receives less sunlight and is thus significantly cooler than the rest, which is why we decided to plant Pinot Noir here.
The vineyard lies at 319 to 355 meters above sea level, which is the highest vineyard location on the Leithaberg. The average annual temperature here is approximately 1,5°C lower than in St. Georgen. The steeper slope of 18-25 percent, ensures intense sunlight exposure. These two factors result in ideal ripening conditions for perfect fruit expression while retaining a strong and fresh acidity.
We do not expect the first harvest until 2025 at the earliest.
Single vineyard Pirichen - Oslip
The name Pirichen is derived from Pirichendorf, a village between St. Georgen and Schützen am Gebirge which was deserted 250 years ago. Today this area is called Osliper Wald and belongs to the viticultural district of Oslip.
5 ha of forest were cleared in 2016 for this vineyard site. In turn another 5 ha were reforested in another area. The forest soil was developed into a cultivated field until 2021 - the planting year. For this purpose, different cover crops were cultivated and tilled again to raise the humus content. This topsoil is only 50 cm deep, with the subsoil consisting of 100% maritime limestone.
The largest of these 3 plots faces south. The upper part is planted with Chardonnay, while the steepest part below is planted with Blaufränkisch. Just below this site is a small vineyard which tilts to the south-south-west, planted with Furmint. The third site faces south-east towards Lake Neusiedl. This site receives less sunlight and is thus significantly cooler than the rest, which is why we decided to plant Pinot Noir here.
The vineyard lies at 319 to 355 meters above sea level, which is the highest vineyard location on the Leithaberg. The average annual temperature here is approximately 1,5°C lower than in St. Georgen. The steeper slope of 18-25 percent, ensures intense sunlight exposure. These two factors result in ideal ripening conditions for perfect fruit expression while retaining a strong and fresh acidity.
We do not expect the first harvest until 2025 at the earliest.
Single vineyard Feiersteig – Eisenstadt
The Feiersteig site is located above the Schlosspark in Eisenstadt and, at 250-309 metres above sea level, is one of the highest sites on the Leithaberg and is also our only site in the wine-growing community of Eisenstadt. Our vines are located in the uppermost area and are bordered by forest to the north-west. In combination with a 15% gradient, downdraughts and the coolness of the forest have a strong influence on the ripening process of the grapes. This is why we used to regularly harvest the last Blaufränkisch of the vintage from this site. However, due to the delayed ripening, the acidity levels in the grapes remain high for a very long time - and at the same time the flavour is well developed. This is why we now use the grapes for our Sekt-Austria base wines. From the 2023 vintage, the Große Reserve Blanc de Noir Brut Nature will come exclusively from the Feiersteig.
The soil is deep and has a very high clay content, especially in the topsoil, which has a favourable effect on the water retention capacity. The Leithaberg-typical shell limestone soil only appears from about 120cm. Only a complete renunciation of irrigation allows the roots to penetrate deep enough here to enable nutrient uptake from the flavour-promoting limestone layer. We do this in all our vineyards, but here the difference is particularly drastic.
Single vineyard Feiersteig – Eisenstadt
The Feiersteig site is located above the Schlosspark in Eisenstadt and, at 250-309 metres above sea level, is one of the highest sites on the Leithaberg and is also our only site in the wine-growing community of Eisenstadt. Our vines are located in the uppermost area and are bordered by forest to the north-west. In combination with a 15% gradient, downdraughts and the coolness of the forest have a strong influence on the ripening process of the grapes. This is why we used to regularly harvest the last Blaufränkisch of the vintage from this site. However, due to the delayed ripening, the acidity levels in the grapes remain high for a very long time - and at the same time the flavour is well developed. This is why we now use the grapes for our Sekt-Austria base wines. From the 2023 vintage, the Große Reserve Blanc de Noir Brut Nature will come exclusively from the Feiersteig.
The soil is deep and has a very high clay content, especially in the topsoil, which has a favourable effect on the water retention capacity. The Leithaberg-typical shell limestone soil only appears from about 120cm. Only a complete renunciation of irrigation allows the roots to penetrate deep enough here to enable nutrient uptake from the flavour-promoting limestone layer. We do this in all our vineyards, but here the difference is particularly drastic.
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