Meet Claus Preisinger: The Natural Wine Hero of Gols in Austria’s Burgenland

By | 1 February 2025

Claus Preisinger began his winemaking journey in 2002 while working as an assistant winemaker for Hans Nittnaus. He established his winery in Gols, located on the northern shore of Lake Neusiedlersee in Austria’s Burgenland region, which is uniquely equipped with amphorae, concrete tanks, and large-format oak barrels.

Over the years, Claus has significantly expanded his family’s vineyard holdings from 3 hectares to about 20, encompassing more than 60 vineyard parcels scattered across the nearby villages of Purbach, Weiden, Gols, and Mönchhof. His winemaking philosophy emphasizes early grape picking and natural processes, resulting in wines crafted with little or no sulfites.

The wines produced by Preisinger are characterized by their precision and elegance. Notable selections include:

  • Claus Preisinger Sunny Side Up 2022: A vibrant blend of wine and cider (8.5% alcohol), showcasing bright citrus fruit. Rated 92/100.

  • Claus Preisinger Fruit Loops White 2022: A blend incorporating Scheurebe, Muscat Ottonel, and Chardonnay, made in amphora without filtration. Features expressive fruit and fine texture. Rated 92/100.

  • Claus Preisinger Grüner Veltliner 2021: Sourced from mature vines, this slightly cloudy wine has a fresh profile with hints of pear and pepper, rated 94/100.

  • Claus Preisinger Bonsai 2022: Crafted from densely planted vines, this wine is aromatic and spicy, with elegant red cherry flavors, rated 95/100.

  • Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2022: Characterized by its chalky texture, this wine has sappy red cherries and good concentration; it is both edgy and serious, rated 95/100.

Additionally, Claus has collaborated with the renowned 3 Fonteinen brewery in Belgium, producing unique beers such as 3 Fonteinen x Claus Preisinger Merlot Beer and 3 Fonteinen x Claus Preisinger Blaufränkisch Beer, both acclaimed for their intense and vibrant flavors.

For further insights on Claus Preisinger’s approach and philosophy, you may refer to the profile by Littlewine.

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