THE JUNGEN BERG PARCEL

This vineyard can be divided into two parcels, Unter den Terrassen and Joiser Kirschgarten, which are
considerably different in their soils.

The vineyard was first mentioned in a document in 1214 and going back to 1524 has been privileged with an appellation of origin.
Jois had at that time together with Neusiedl/See and Rust, the probable first appelation worldwide. During the Thirty Years’ War in around 1621 the earls of Harrach received the vineyard as a fiefdom before owning it outright. The original terraces were constructed circa 1700. Josef Umathum bought the vineyard in 2000 and rebuilt the deteriorated terraces. In just six months work, they were returned to their original state. Today the terraces can be worked with the latest machinery.

After lying fallow for decades, one of the Burgenland’s best vineyards was replanted by our team in 2001. The parcel shows all attributes which wine experts consider terroir, a unique micro-climate, perfect soil-conditions, an optimal exposure to the sun, and a long history. Even to non-vintners, it’s clear that this is a very exceptional vineyard.
Well protected from the wind, the southeast slope is a geological treasure. Although you’re standing here more than 300 feet above sea level, you can almost feel the lake. The mild lake air blows gentle over the terraced vineyards. As the parcel is above the fog line, we can harvest even very late into fall without risk of rot in the grapes. This slow finish to maturity leeds to particularly fine and minerally aromas.

THE SOIL:

A break line across the whole hill separates the parcel into two vineyards with different soil characteristics:

“UNTER DEN TERRASSEN”:

The former shore of the Pannonian primordial sea shows calcareous clay and shell limestone with a dense structure and excellent water storage capacity, making it ideal for Pinot Noir. 

KIRSCHGARTEN PARCEL:

On the hillside we can find schist interspersed with quartz. Here the roots of the vines can sink deep into the rock and are safely tucked into the soil which protects from drought, leads to consistent growth, and allows for a good reflection of the soil. Ideal conditions for Blaufränkisch.

The label is Joiser Kirschgarten refers to a cherry orchard in Jois as cherry trees have grown for hundreds of years next to the vines. Jois cherries were renowned at the turn of the last century and were sold at the famous Wiener Naschmarkt up until the 1980’s.

The alignment of the vines is from north-west to south-east, while the terraces themselves are diagonal. The light-colored sandstone walls perfectly reflect the sun rays onto the grapes.