Birgit Braunstein Ried Glawarinza Leithaberg Blaufränkisch, Burgenland 2019

Lake Neusiedl is a vast but shallow expanse of water that straddles the border between Austria and Hungary, and its shore is home to many excellent wine estates. Among the best are the vines belonging to Birgit Braunstein

History
Birgit is a woman with winemaking in her blood – her family have owned vines here for 400 years – and a determination to make something remarkable. She owns 22 hectares close to Leithaberg, with vines at some of the highest altitudes in the area, and she farms organically, following biodynamic principles since 2000. Indeed, she takes a holistic view on life in general, and keeps goats, chickens and sheep on her land, and positivity is a watchword for Birgit, illustrated by positive messages chalked on blackboards in the cellars.

The wines
Her dedication to making wines of natural grace, intensity and vibrant purity, allowing them to show the grapes' innate characteristics and a wonderful sense of place, is reflected in her cellars where she has a hands-off approach, fermenting using only natural yeasts and neither fining nor filtering before the wine goes into bottle. She also uses as little sulphur as possible.

Environmental sustainability
Birgit is highly-committed to the principles of biodynamic winemaking, and this is reflected in all aspects of the vineyards and winery. The fertilising compost comes mainly from her chickens, goats and sheep. Beekeeping, old trees, perches for birds of prey, and incubators all help to maximise biodiversity on the land. Vines are grown only on part of the estate, with other land given over to growing fruit trees.

Social sustainability
The biodynamic approach also extends to a commitment to people and the local community. Many of her employees have been with the company for more than 15 years. She also co-founded the first Waldorf School in Burgenland. This is based on an approach to education which is intended to develop pupils' intellectual, artistic, and practical skills, with a focus on imagination and creativity.