Sarah Jane Evans MW's top Austrian DAC wines

Burgenland

Leithaberg DAC (within Neuseiedlersee-Hüuggelland (3,576ha)) White: Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Neuburger  (Sylvaner x Roter Veltliner), Grüner Veltliner (or a blend); Red: Blaufraänkisch (minimum 85%) Distinct terroir profile of the Leitha range, with primary rock,  chalk and lime – resulting in elegant, spicy wines. Reds must be  aged in oak, and released a minimum of two years after harvest. Launched with reds from vintage 2008, whites from 2009.

Wines to try:

Prieler Leithaberg DAC Blaufraänkisch 2008 

Schist and limestone give the Leithaberg Blaufrankisch a graphite  and dark berry intensity that has nothing to do with the variety’s  simple juiciness further south in Austria. 19pts/20
Price: £28.95 (2009); Clark Foyster, Noel Young
Drink: Now to 2019
Alc: 13.5%.