Wine has been produced under the Pitnauer name for generations. However, the most significant development took place in the 1980s, when Hans and Edith Pitnauer converted their farm entirely to viticulture. This new focus marked the beginning of the family winery's success story, which is closely linked to the colourful migratory bird, the bee-eater. When the first breeding pairs settled in Göttlesbrunn in 1986, they inspired the young wine growing couple Hans and Edith to create their single-varietal Zweigelt Bienenfresser®. The Merops Apiaster has now been nesting in the Göttlesbrunn vineyards for over 30 years and is the colourful heraldic animal of the family winery. Its unmistakable calls accompany the work in the vineyard before it heads back to Africa for the winter at the end of September. Over the years, the Pitnauer bee-eater® has won many awards at home and abroad and achieved cult status.
Hans and Edith were one of the first wine growing couples in the area to recognise the ageing potential of the Carnuntum region for red wines, especially the Zweigelt grape variety. However, they were also attracted to international varieties such as Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, which were still considered "exotic" at the time. With their interest in Italian and French wine styles and their courage to try new things, Hans and Edith wrote a piece of Austrian red wine history. With melodious wine names such as Bienenfresser®, Pegasos®, Quo Vadis® and Franz Josef®, they brought international wine flair to Carnuntum.
Today, their son Johannes and his partner Romana are continuing the family tradition and setting new trends. The 22 hectares of vineyards are cultivated without the use of insecticides and herbicides and with a great deal of experience and love for nature. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand to ensure the highest quality. The wines from the Pitnauer estate shine with elegance and a unique style. They reflect the history of the family winery and the successful combination of nature, tradition and modern craftsmanship.
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