Carnuntum - Red Wines from the Land of the Romans

Summary / At a Glance

Carnuntum is an up-and-coming red wine region east of Vienna, named after the ancient Roman city of Carnuntum. The region along the Danube between Vienna and Bratislava is shaped by Pannonian climate, diverse soils, and a deeply rooted wine culture dating back to Roman times. Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch are the flagship varieties — powerful, concentrated, and with international ambition.

"Rubin Carnuntum" — a cuvée of Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch — is the region's calling card and has been a successful regional brand concept since 1992. Carnuntum DAC (since 2019) defines regionally typical wines with clear terroir expression. The region is smaller than Burgenland or Weinviertel (approx. 1,000 hectares), but boasts high quality density and ambitious winemakers like Markowitsch, Glatzer, Pittnauer, and Netzl.

Quick Facts:

Location: Lower Austria, east of Vienna along the Danube
Size: Approximately 1,000 hectares of vineyard area
Climate: Pannonian-continental, warm and dry
Main Grape Varieties: Zweigelt (25%), Blaufränkisch (20%), Grüner Veltliner (15%)
Wine Styles: Powerful red wines, Rubin Carnuntum (cuvée)
Distinction: Rubin Carnuntum (since 1992), Carnuntum DAC (since 2019), Roman heritage

Geography and Climate

Carnuntum stretches east of Vienna along the Danube from Schwechat in the west to the Slovak border in the east. The region is about 40 kilometers long and encompasses the wine villages of Göttlesbrunn, Höflein, Prellenkirchen, Arbesthal, Petronell-Carnuntum, and Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.

The landscape is shaped by three hill ranges:

Leithagebirge: In the north, limestone and schist, cool winds
Arbesthaler Hügelland: Central zone, loess and clay, gentle hills
Hainburger Berge: In the east, limestone, steep slopes

The Danube plays a central role — it moderates the climate, reflects sunlight into the vineyards, and creates an ideal microclimate for red wines.

The climate is Pannonian-continental: hot, dry summers with temperatures above 35°C and cold winters. The region benefits from over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and low precipitation (550–600 mm). These conditions produce fully ripe red wine grapes with concentrated aromas and robust tannins.

Cool nights — especially in autumn — preserve the acidity structure and prevent overripeness. Temperature differences between day and night can reach 15–20°C, lending the red wines freshness and elegance.

The soils are diverse and form the foundation of terroir variety:

Loess: Deep, water-retaining, nutrient-rich (Göttlesbrunn)
Limestone: Permeable, mineral-rich (Leithagebirge, Hainburger Berge)
Clay: Heavy, with high clay content, heat-retaining (Arbesthaler Hügelland)
Schist: Locally limited in the north
Gravel: Along the Danube, permeable

This geological diversity enables different wine styles — from powerful and concentrated (loess) to mineral and elegant (limestone).

Grape Varieties

Zweigelt

With about 25% of the vineyard area, Zweigelt is the most important red grape variety in Carnuntum. The cross of St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch shows its full potential in Carnuntum — juicy cherry fruit, robust tannins, medium to full body, and good structure.

Carnuntum Zweigelt is more powerful and concentrated than Neusiedlersee Zweigelt, but less tannic than Blaufränkisch. The wines show aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, black pepper, and subtle spice. On loess soils, Zweigelt develops richness and creaminess, while limestone soils lend minerality and elegance.

The best Zweigelt sites are found in Göttlesbrunn, Höflein, and Prellenkirchen. Reserve wines are often aged in barrique and show complexity with 10–15 years of cellaring potential.

Blaufränkisch

Blaufränkisch makes up about 20% of the vineyard area and is the second flagship variety. The center of Carnuntum Blaufränkisch is the Spitzerberg near Prellenkirchen — a limestone-rich site that produces mineral, precise Blaufränkisch wines.

Carnuntum Blaufränkisch displays dark berry fruit, robust tannins, vibrant acidity, and pronounced minerality. The wines are more tannic and structured than Zweigelt, but less extreme than Mittelburgenland Blaufränkisch. On limestone soils, Blaufränkisch develops a cool, elegant profile with saline minerality.

The best Blaufränkisch sites are Spitzerberg (Prellenkirchen), Rosenberg (Göttlesbrunn), and Haidviertel (Höflein).

Grüner Veltliner

Although Carnuntum is primarily known as a red wine region, Grüner Veltliner makes up about 15% of the vineyard area. Carnuntum DAC (since 2019) permits Grüner Veltliner as a DAC white wine.

Carnuntum Veltliner shows a powerful, full-bodied profile — less peppery than Weinviertel Veltliner, but with more body. The wines are approachable, fruit-forward, with aromas of yellow apple, peach, and subtle spice.

Other Varieties

Chardonnay, Weißburgunder: Burgundy varieties are gaining importance and may be marketed as Carnuntum DAC. On limestone and clay soils, they show a creamy texture and fine minerality.
St. Laurent: Autochthonous Austrian variety experiencing a renaissance. Displays dark berry fruit, silky tannins, and Burgundian elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: International varieties used in blends.

Wine Styles

Carnuntum DAC (since 2019)

Carnuntum received DAC status in 2019. The DAC regulation defines regionally typical wines with terroir expression:

Carnuntum DAC:

Varietal wines from Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Grüner Veltliner, Weißburgunder, or Chardonnay
Or blends in which these varieties comprise at least 66%
Minimum 12% alcohol
No or moderate oak influence
Typical Carnuntum character: powerful, fruity, with Pannonian climate expression

Carnuntum DAC Reserve:

Varietal or blended wines
Minimum 13% alcohol
May be aged in barrique
Concentrated, complex, age-worthy
On the lees until September 1 of the second year after harvest

Important: Carnuntum DAC permits both varietal wines and blends. This distinguishes Carnuntum from other DACs, which often only allow varietal wines.

Rubin Carnuntum (since 1992)

Rubin Carnuntum is a regional brand introduced in 1992 by Carnuntum winemakers as a quality seal. The goal was to give the region an identity and establish red wines in the premium segment.

Rubin Carnuntum Specifications:

Cuvée of Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch (historically often 100% Zweigelt)
Minimum 13% alcohol
Aged in barrique
On the lees until November 1 of the second year after harvest
Tasting by an independent jury
Distinctive ruby-red hue (hence the name!)

Today over 40 wineries produce Rubin Carnuntum. The wines are more elegant and less oak-driven than in the early years — modern style with balance between fruit, oak, and tannins. Rubin Carnuntum is a successful concept and internationally recognized.

Wine Style Characteristics

Carnuntum red wines are distinguished by:

Power: Pannonian heat leads to fully ripe grapes and robust wines
Fruit: Juicy cherry and berry fruit, approachable
Tannins: Robust yet ripe and integrated
Structure: Good acidity that bridges power and elegance
International Appeal: Bordeaux-style blends, international ambition

Compared to Burgenland, Carnuntum red wines are somewhat cooler and more elegant — less extremely hot, more balanced.

Top Wineries in Carnuntum

Weingut Gerhard Markowitsch

Address: Pfarrgasse 6, 2464 Göttlesbrunn
Website: markowitsch.at
Specialty: Rubin Carnuntum, Blaufränkisch "Rosenberg", Zweigelt
Awards: Falstaff "Winemaker of the Year," 95+ points
Distinction: Pioneer of Carnuntum's quality initiative

Gerhard Markowitsch is one of Carnuntum's best-known winemakers and a driving force behind the region's quality initiative. His Rubin Carnuntum ranks among Austria's finest red wines — powerful, elegant, with balance between fruit, oak, and tannins. The winery is internationally recognized and exports to over 30 countries.

Weingut Walter Glatzer

Address: Rosenbergstraße 5, 2464 Göttlesbrunn
Website: weingutglatzer.at
Specialty: Blaufränkisch "Rubin Carnuntum", Zweigelt "Bela-Rex"
Awards: Falstaff 94+ points
Distinction: Focus on Blaufränkisch from Spitzerberg

Walter Glatzer is a Blaufränkisch specialist in Carnuntum. His wines from Spitzerberg — especially the Rubin Carnuntum — show mineral precision, dark fruit, and robust tannins. The winery combines traditional viticulture with modern winemaking.

Weingut Pittnauer

Address: Weinbergstraße 4-6, 2462 Göttlesbrunn
Website: pitnauer.com
Specialty: Rubin Carnuntum, St. Laurent, biodynamic wines
Awards: Falstaff 95 points, Demeter-certified
Distinction: Biodynamic viticulture, amphora aging

Gerhard Pittnauer is a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Carnuntum. His wines are aged in amphorae and large wooden casks — natural, unfiltered, vibrant. The Rubin Carnuntum shows Burgundian elegance with cool fruit and silky tannins. The winery also experiments with Orange Wines and Natural Wines.

Weingut Franz & Christine Netzl

Address: Rosenbergstraße 17, 2464 Göttlesbrunn
Website: netzl.at
Specialty: Rubin Carnuntum, Zweigelt "Reserve"
Awards: Falstaff 93+ points
Distinction: Family winery, traditional style

Franz and Christine Netzl run a traditional family winery in Göttlesbrunn. Their wines show classic Carnuntum style — powerful, fruity, with ripe cherry and integrated tannins. The Rubin Carnuntum is reliable and delivers consistent quality year after year.

Weingut Philipp Grassl

Address: Göttlesbrunn (exact address not available)
Website: grassl-wein.at
Specialty: Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, modern style
Awards: Falstaff 93+ points
Distinction: Young generation, innovative

Philipp Grassl represents the young generation in Carnuntum. His wines show modern style — fruity, elegant, with moderate oak use. The focus is on terroir expression and drinkability.

Subregions and Important Vineyards

Göttlesbrunn

Göttlesbrunn is the heartland of Carnuntum with the highest density of top wineries (Markowitsch, Glatzer, Pittnauer, Netzl). The loess and clay soils lend the wines richness and creaminess. The Rosenberg vineyard is famous for powerful Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt wines.

Prellenkirchen and Spitzerberg

Prellenkirchen in the east is known for Spitzerberg — a limestone-rich site that produces mineral, precise Blaufränkisch wines. Spitzerberg is considered a premier site and ranks among Austria's finest Blaufränkisch vineyards.

Höflein

Höflein lies at the foot of the Leithagebirge with limestone soils. The wines are more elegant and mineral than the loess wines from Göttlesbrunn. The Haidviertel vineyard is known for structured Blaufränkisch wines.

Arbesthal

Arbesthal in the Arbesthaler Hügelland is characterized by gentle hills and clay soils. The wines are full-bodied and show a fruity profile.

Petronell-Carnuntum

Petronell-Carnuntum is the historic core of the region — the Roman city of Carnuntum once stood here. The archaeological museum and excavation sites are a tourist highlight. The vineyards are situated on gravel and clay soils.

Winemaking History

Winemaking in Carnuntum dates back to Roman times. The Roman city of Carnuntum — founded in the 1st century AD — was an important military camp and trade center on the Amber Road. The Romans planted vines and produced wine for the legions and for export throughout the Roman Empire.

Archaeological finds confirm Roman pressing facilities, amphorae, and wine presses in Carnuntum. After the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, winemaking declined but was rebuilt by monasteries in the Middle Ages.

In the 19th century, Carnuntum was a significant wine region exporting wine to Vienna. The phylloxera catastrophe at the end of the 19th century destroyed most vineyards. The reconstruction in the 20th century led to a reorientation toward red wines — especially Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Carnuntum was an unknown region without a clear identity. The turning point came in 1992 with the founding of Rubin Carnuntum — a regional brand that gave the region identity and quality focus. Since then, Carnuntum has developed into a premium red wine region.

The awarding of DAC status in 2019 was another milestone. Today Carnuntum is internationally recognized — Rubin Carnuntum and Carnuntum DAC are quality seals.

Challenges and Future

Increasing Awareness

Carnuntum is internationally less well-known than Burgenland or Wachau. The region is working to increase awareness through:

Wine events (e.g., Carnuntum Wine Festival)
Wine tourism (Roman excavations + wine tastings)
International marketing
Social media and digital marketing

The Roman heritage is a unique selling point — the combination of archaeology and wine culture is unmatched.

Climate Change

Carnuntum is strongly affected by climate change. The region is becoming hotter and drier, leading to:

Higher alcohol levels
Lower acidity
Drought stress

Winemakers are responding with adaptations: earlier harvest, shading, cover cropping, selection of heat-tolerant clones. At the same time, climate change opens opportunities for international varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah).

Sustainability

Many Carnuntum wineries focus on sustainable viticulture — organic certification, biodynamic farming (Pittnauer), no herbicides. The focus is on soil health and biodiversity.

Single Vineyard Classification

Carnuntum is working on a vineyard classification similar to the ÖTW classification (Erste Lage, Große Lage). Spitzerberg is a candidate for Große Lage. A clear vineyard hierarchy would strengthen the premium positioning.

My Personal Recommendation

Favorite Winery

Weingut Pittnauer in Göttlesbrunn is my favorite. Gerhard Pittnauer is a visionary of biodynamic viticulture, experimenting with amphora aging, Natural Wines, and Burgundian style. The Rubin Carnuntum shows cool elegance with silky tannins — quite different from the powerful, oak-dominated Carnuntum wines. A visit to the winery is an experience — philosophy, craftsmanship, authenticity!

Roman Wine Culture Tour

Combine a visit to the Roman excavations in Petronell-Carnuntum with wine tastings in Göttlesbrunn! The archaeological museum displays Roman pressing facilities, amphorae, and wine culture. Afterward, wine tasting at Markowitsch or Glatzer with views over the vineyards. The connection between 2,000 years of wine history and modern winemaking is unique!

Insider Tip

Spitzerberg Hike in Prellenkirchen — a short hike (1.5 hours) through the limestone vineyards with spectacular views over the Marchfeld and Slovakia. Information panels explain geology, terroir, and Blaufränkisch viticulture. The trail ends in Prellenkirchen with a visit to a Heuriger (wine tavern). Perfect in September during harvest!

Best Time to Visit

September to October is the ideal travel time. The harvest begins, the vineyards glow in autumn colors, and temperatures are pleasant (18–25°C). The Heurigen open with "Sturm" (young wine) and regional specialties. The Carnuntum Wine Festival at the end of September is a highlight with tastings and live music.

In June, the Roman Festival Week takes place in Petronell-Carnuntum — gladiator fights, Roman food, wine tastings. A spectacle for the whole family, combined with wine culture!