Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2012

Austrian wines enjoy widespread recognition. The Burgenland region, in particular, is renowned for its excellent red wines. Claus Preisinger is one of the leading producers, creating wines since 2000 with a unique character and great expressiveness. His Pinot Noir 2012 is a prime example of the high quality of Austrian winemaking. This wine fascinates with its full body and intense aromas. The biodynamic farming methods and careful maturation make it a truly special experience. Let's explore this exceptional wine together.

Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2012 from Burgenland

The 2012 Pinot Noir from Claus Preisinger originates from the Burgenland region. This area is characterized by its diverse soils and mild climate. The vineyards on the Leithagebirge mountains and in Gols offer perfect conditions for viticulture. The limestone and slate soils, in particular, give the wines a distinctive minerality. Austrian wines are known for their high quality, and the 2012 Pinot Noir is an excellent example of this.

The wine is presented in a 0.75l bottle. Its intense character is revealed through notes of cherry, licorice, violet, tyre rubber, and clove. This is complemented by a full body and pronounced tannins. The animalistic and idiosyncratic aromas make it particularly intriguing. Claus Preisinger has succeeded in imbuing the Pinot Noir with a distinctive signature.

The grape variety for this wine is Spätburgunder, also known as Pinot Noir or Pinot Nero (a red grape variety known for its delicate fruit and earthy notes). The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation in open vats and wooden fermentation tanks for 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the wine matures in large wooden barrels and is bottled unfiltered. This method enhances the natural aromas and ensures an authentic taste.

Occasions and Pairings

The Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2012 is perfect for special occasions. Whether it's a festive dinner or a relaxed evening with friends, this wine always impresses. It's particularly appealing to lovers of full-bodied, masculine wines. Its complex aromas and full body create an unforgettable taste experience.

When paired with food, the 2012 Pinot Noir complements game dishes particularly well. Venison stew or wild boar goulash are ideal accompaniments. It also pairs beautifully with beef steaks or lamb chops. The wine's intense aromas perfectly complement rich meat dishes. Vegetarian dishes such as mushroom risotto or grilled vegetables also benefit from its complexity.

The wine reaches its full potential when served at a temperature of approximately 16-18 degrees Celsius. It should also be allowed to breathe in the glass for some time to fully develop its aromas. A wine decanter can be helpful for this.

Unique Features and History

Claus Preisinger is a pioneer in the Austrian natural wine scene. Since 2006, he has been using biodynamic methods and places great emphasis on sustainability. This includes cover cropping, building humus with compost from cow and horse manure, and homeopathic plant care. His vineyards are located on both sides of Lake Neusiedl. His meticulous vineyard work and experimentation with different amphorae and containers define his style.

The year 2012 was a particularly good vintage. The climatic conditions were ideal for the ripening of the grapes, which is reflected in the quality of the wine. The 2012 Pinot Noir is full-bodied and expressive. It's a wine that embodies the philosophy of Claus Preisinger.

It's also worth noting the price. For approximately €32, you get a wine of exceptional quality. Compared to other top wines, this represents excellent value for money. The 2012 Pinot Noir demonstrates that excellent wines don't always have to be expensive.

Region and Landscape

The Burgenland is one of the most important wine regions in Austria. The landscape is characterized by gentle hills and Lake Neusiedl. The lake plays an important role in the microclimate, providing mild temperatures and balanced humidity, which are ideal for viticulture.

The soils in the Burgenland are diverse, with limestone, slate, and sand contributing to the wines' distinctive minerality. This minerality is clearly noticeable in the 2012 Pinot Noir. The region is also known for its innovative winemakers, and Claus Preisinger is a prime example. His wines are influential for a whole generation of winemakers and wine enthusiasts.

Presentation

The bottle of Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2012 features a minimalist white label that stands out for its simple design and reduced color palette. The words "PINOT NOIR" and "CLAUS PREISINGER" are printed in an elegant, sans-serif font in uppercase, creating a modern and clean impression. A distinctive detail is the handwritten signature in grey, which adds a personal touch and artisanal character. The label provides minimal information, focusing on the grape variety (Pinot Noir) and the vintage (2012).

The overall impression of the bottle is elegant and timeless. The dark glass, combined with the white label and black cap, exudes a high-quality, modern aesthetic. The clear typography and subtly integrated handwriting on the label create a minimalist style that emphasizes quality and simplicity. The bottle shape is a classic wine bottle, typical for red wines, with the dark glass providing optimal protection for the contents. The black cap complements the minimalist design and enhances the wine's modern and refined appeal.

Conclusion

The Claus Preisinger Pinot Noir 2012 is an exceptional wine. It impresses with its full body and intense aromas. Notes of cherry, licorice, violet, tyre rubber, and clove make it unique. The biodynamic farming methods and careful maturation ensure a high quality. For approximately €32, you get a wine that is perfect for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment. It's a true delight for lovers of full-bodied wines.