Esterházy

Noble family rich in tradition

The history of Esterházy goes back to the 13th century. They were deputies of the kings of Hungary and confidants of the House of Habsburg. In gratitude for his loyalty to Emperor Ferdinand II, Nicholas Count Esterházy was pledged the dominions of Eisenstadt and Forchtenstein for 400,000 Hungarian florins in 1622. The emperor could not repay the enormous sum and so Forchtenstein became Esterházy's hereditary property in 1626 and Eisenstadt in 1647.

The Esterházy princes have shaped the political and cultural life of Central Europe over the centuries. From the very beginning, viticulture played a major role.

The foundation of Esterházy viticulture

The Esterházy lineage was founded by Emperor Leopold I in 1687. The princely family shaped local viticulture over the centuries and repeatedly innovated in this field.

Pinot Noir vines were first introduced by Esterházy, followed by other Burgundy varieties. The way was paved for the most important grape varieties in Burgenland.

With a new winery and state-of-the-art facilities, vinification was brought to its current, leading standard in 2006. This makes Esterházy one of the most modern wineries in Austria.

The Burgenland - Leithaberg

The Leithaberg region is one of the most versatile wine-growing areas on earth - thanks to its special climate and varied soils. Esterházy owns 90 hectares of vineyards - great red wines and refined white wines are vinified that no one will soon forget.

The soils and the climate

The great secret of Esterházy lies in their sites. The variety of soils -especially mica schist and Leithakalk- produce full-bodied wines. The nearby lake gives heat radiation and the fresh night winds make the vines thrive wonderfully.

The vineyards

Esterházy owns the most diverse vineyards in the wine-growing region of Burgenland, the DAC Leithaberg:

• Großhöflein
• St. Georgen, Eisenstadt, Kleinhöflein
• Rust
• St. Margarethen

The grape varieties

Two-thirds of Esterházy 's 90 hectares of vineyards are planted with red grape varieties (Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt) and one-third with white varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Welschriesling ).