Pannobile is an association of winemaking friends and colleagues mainly in Gols, a wine village on the northeastern shore of Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedler See), Austria. It was founded by seven wine-growers. Their aim was to be “neither modern” nor “international”, but to be committed to the soils, the character, and the climate of their region to produce a terroir driven premium wine using primarily indigenous grapes.

The Pannobile Area is described as a widespread range of top sites east of Lake Neusiedl.

Members: Paul Achs (a co-founder).

The name: The name of the association was created by Hans Nittnaus. The name “Pannobile” derives from the word “Pannonia”–the region‘s name during Roman times.

Terroir: A Pannobile wine comes from the best sites between Neusiedl am See und Halbturn. The rules stipulate a dry quality wine. As for the grape varieties permitted to be used, it can be made either as a single varietal wine or, as is more usual, a cuvée. In Pannobile wineries, the Pannobile wine ranks as the top cuvée, made from local grape varieties grown on the best sites.

Pannobile white: Permitted grapes–Weissburgunder, Chardonnay, Neuburger, Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling. The white wines develop a firm, powerful body and complex aromas, thanks to the Pannonian climate. The Burgundian varieties used grow on well-drained gravel soils with meagrer amounts of loam. These, along with portions of shell limestone, help provide a solid structure for the wines. Weissburgunder (Pinot blanc) and Chardonnay tend to be the most important varieties for white Pannobile wines. They are well adapted to the climate and give to the wines great durability.

Pannobile red: Permitted grapes since 2006–Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and Zweigelt.

Blaufränkisch: The late ripening Blaufränkisch needs the warmest sites of the Wagram in order to show all of its complexity. It reflects the typical character of the sites as practically no other variety can. From the vineyard slopes with soils consisting of sand, loam, and chalk come juicy and fruity-toned wines with a fine, graceful structure.
On the one hand, wines from the sites exude the blackberry and cherry notes that are typical of the varietal, and on the other hand show the distinct Blaufränkisch spiciness. This is expressed by herbal and leafy notes along with subtle liquorice tones. And there is also racy acidity, which delivers an animated freshness to the wines and emphasizes their elegant character at the same time. The Blaufränkisch from these sites are marked by fine tannins which contribute to the firm structure of the wines.

St. Laurent, another early ripening grape, favours higher, cooler sites as well – such as those on the southern edges of the Parndorfer Platte, with their iron rich gravel soils. Here, with a beautiful view to the Lake Neusiedl the variety enjoys the thermal elements which allow it to reveal a piquant, forest berry fruit character. The clear, tight aromas are also well woven on the palate. St. Laurent contributes plenty of finesse and structure to a cuvée and its distinct acidity supports the varietal‘s freshness and vibrancy.

Zweigelt: The early ripening Zweigelt prefers soils that are not too heavy and rich in humus. It perms best on high sites which tend to be cool. For example, in the red gravelly soils on the southern edge of the Parndorfer Platte and in the chalk rich upper part of the Golser Wagram, the Zweigelt develops not only its usual fruitiness, but also floral components and a distinct herbal spiciness. These all come together on the palate with juicy tannins – demonstrating the complexity of the wines. As part of a cuvée, Zweigelt lends above all juiciness and depth.

Contact

Website: www.panobile.com/pannobile-english