It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to join the circus. We are thrilled to welcome our newest Winery Partner, Günter & Regina Triebaumer! Hailing from the town of Rust in Austria’s famed Burgenland, Günter & Regina bring their unique approach, sensible philosophy, and stunning wines to our portfolio!
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Roots in Rust
“Adhere to traditions as long as they are suitable. Take advantage of techniques as long as they are sensible.”
Since 1691, the Triebaumer family has been a Burgenland fixture, growing and vinifying regional specialties. The latest generation of Triebaumers to helm the historic winery are Günter and Regina, both of whom took the long road to a career of viticulture. Günter and Regina traveled all over the world, absorbing different winemaking philosophies and styles, before settling back in Burgenland to focus on their roots. Their extensive travel and open-mindedness has led them to a unique approach to Burgenland winemaking, combining modern techniques and practices with a deep respect for tradition to produce some of the most exciting wines to come out of the region.
The town of Rust holds a special place in the history of Austrian wine. Situated on the western shore of Lake Neuseidl, Rust was originally the property of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1681, needing funds for their war with the Ottomans, the empire struck a deal with a few of Rust’s most successful families. In exchange for 60,000 guilders of gold and 10 vintages of the town’s famous Ausbruch wines, Rust was awarded the title of “Freetown,” which removed it from the jurisdiction of the local duke. Today, Ruster Ausbruch is celebrated worldwide, and the free town of Rust remains true to its roots, offering up wines that are “as good as gold.”
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Farmers First
Günter & Regina know that great wine starts in the vineyard, and they take great care to ensure the health and well-being of their soils and vines. Farming 25 hectares in and around the historic town of Rust, the Triebaumers work in harmony with nature, eschewing the use of herbicides and pesticides in favor of low-impact practices. Their philosophy is, above all, pragmatic, employing mechanical clearing of weeds and using an ingenious pheromone method to control the destructive grape moth. By combining modern thinking with old-school respect for nature, Günter and Regina have upheld the Triebaumer legacy and brought it into the 21st century with grace.
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Diversity in the Dirt
The soils around Rust are some of the most diverse in all of Austria. The area is home to an intersection of three very different geological conditions, and the Triebaumers have spent years studying their terroir and selecting grape varieties that benefit from the different soils. The remains of the Leitha mountains provide stony, acidic Schist and Gneiss soils to the north, perfect for mineralic white varieties like Welschriesling, as well as the region’s specialty, Furmint. All 11 hectares of Austrian Furmint vines are located in Rust. In the west, the remnants of an ancient shallow sea gave rise to the light-colored Leitha limestone, which gives Blaufränkisch its Burgenland signature. Near Rust itself, a ridge of sandy, quartz-rich gravel makes a perfect home for Zweigelt.
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Pannonian Paradise
The growing conditions around Rust are dominated by the intersection of the warm Pannonian climate and the moderating effect of nearby Lake Neuseidl to the east. The heat provides ideal conditions for native red varieties such as Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, and the heat sink effect of the lake helps these grapes achieve proper ripeness. The lake also provides humidity, which is important for the development of Botrytis, an essential component for the region’s legendary Ruster Ausbruch. The hills around Rust create a sheltered area for the vineyards, helping to shield them from frost.
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Winemaking Wizards
The Triebaumers focus on Burgenland varieties and styles, staying true to the region’s traditions. The variations in soil types around Rust allow the Triebaumers to match grape varieties to soil types which best suit them. Coupled with their respect for nature and dedication to vineyard health, their expertise has allowed them to produce a great variety of stunning wines, all with a Burgenland flair. We are beyond proud to call Günter & Regina the newest members of our Wine Circus! It looks like they’ll fit right in!
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2015 Ruster Ausbruch
Variety: 100% Welschriesling
Vineyard: Weathered slate
Analysis: Alcohol: 9.0%; Acid: 7.5 g/L; Sugar: 225.7 g/L
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2017 Blaufränkisch Classic
Variety: 100% Blaufränkisch
Vineyard: Lime-rich loam and clay soils
Analysis: Alcohol: 13.5%; Acid: 5.9 g/L; Sugar: Dry
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2017 Zweigelt Classic
Variety: 100% Zweigelt
Vineyard: Quartz-rich sandy gravel
Analysis: Alcohol: 13.5%; Acid: 5.4 g/L; Sugar: Dry
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2018 Rosé of Blaufränkisch
Variety: 100% Blaufränkisch
Vineyard: Lime-rich loam and clay soils
Analysis: Alcohol: 12.5%; Acid: 5.8 g/L
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2018 Furmint
Variety: 100% Furmint
Vineyard: Weathered slate
Analysis: Alcohol: 12.0%; Acid: 7.0 g/L; Sugar: Dry
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Sparkling Muscato
Variety: 100% Muscat
Vineyard: Lime-rich loam, löss
Analysis: Alcohol: 7.0%; Acid: 7.5 g/L
