Weingut Paul Achs

Gols , Neusiedlersee

In the Neusiedlersee DAC, the town of Gols, which is 60km southeast of Vienna, is the epicentre of Burgenland’s emergence on the global stage for its red wines. Paul Achs is one of the leading growers committed to producing quality, terroir-focused wines using grapes native to the area.

After travelling abroad as well as some work in the wine industry in California, Paul returned in 1991 at the age of 22 to take the lead role in the family winery. He manages 25ha of land mainly in the Heideboden and Parndorfer Platte areas and has divided his holdings into 40 different parcels due to the diverse soils and microclimates. Growing mostly reds, grapes of choice include Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St Laurent, Pinot Noir, older-vine Chardonnay and more. The vineyard has been certified biodynamic since 2006, with grass and other plants growing between rows, livestock manure incorporated to nourish the soil, and no chemicals used. Paul sees himself as a biographer, writing stories from what the grapes provide him, believing that wine should taste of what it is and not how it could be.

On top of his winegrower duties, Paul Achs is also a co-founder of the Pannobile Association, a group of winemaking friends mainly from around the municipality of Gols, whose aim is to be committed to the soils, the character, and climate of their region and to producing a quality terroir-driven premium wine using indigenous grapes. Notable winery members include Weingut Heinrich, Pittnauer, Claus Presinger, Judith Beck, etc.

Through the combination of blending tradition with modern techniques, Paul is one of the best in the area, producing some amazing terroir-specific wines and village reserve label wines, all farmed biodynamically and naturally fermented. Definitely a producer not to be missed!