Reinhold Krutzler comes from a family with a long history of winemaking. The Krutzler family has been producing wine in Southern Burgenland for five generations, and Reinhold took over the estate in 1984. With a desire to elevate the quality and international standing of Burgenland wines, Reinhold shifted the focus of the winery toward producing structured, terroir-driven red wines, particularly Blaufränkisch. His efforts were instrumental in raising the profile of the region, which had historically been overshadowed by Austria’s more famous wine regions to the north.

Krutzler’s vineyards are located in Southern Burgenland, one of the country’s most distinctive wine regions. The area is characterized by its volcanic soils, which give the wines a unique minerality and intensity. The vineyards in Deutsch-Schützen and the nearby Eisenberg area, where Krutzler sources much of his fruit, benefit from these volcanic soils as well as a combination of warm days and cool nights, which helps preserve acidity and balance in the wines. For Krutzler, it’s the terroir of this relatively small and rugged area that makes his wines stand out.

The Eisenberg, in particular, is a key part of Krutzler’s identity as a winemaker. This small hill in Southern Burgenland is known for its iron-rich soils, which contribute a distinctive earthy quality to the wines. Blaufränkisch from Eisenberg is marked by firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and a pronounced mineral character, qualities that Reinhold Krutzler’s wines express beautifully. His wines from this site have become benchmarks for the potential of the Blaufränkisch grape, showing both elegance and power.

Blaufränkisch is the cornerstone of Reinhold Krutzler’s winemaking. This indigenous Austrian grape variety is capable of producing wines with complexity, structure, and remarkable aging potential, especially when grown in the right conditions. Krutzler’s Blaufränkisch wines are known for their balance between ripe fruit flavors and fresh acidity, with layers of minerality and spice that come from the iron-rich soils of his vineyards. His top Blaufränkisch wines, like those from the Eisenberg DAC, have become icons of the region, showcasing the grape’s full potential.

In addition to Blaufränkisch, Krutzler also produces excellent red wines from other varieties, including Zweigelt and Merlot. However, it is his single-vineyard Blaufränkisch wines that have garnered the most attention, often being compared to top-quality reds from other leading wine regions in Europe. Krutzler’s wines are known for their purity and ability to age gracefully, with his best examples gaining complexity and finesse over time.

Reinhold Krutzler is also a strong advocate for natural and sustainable farming practices. Although not fully biodynamic, he employs many organic principles in his vineyards, believing that healthy soils lead to healthy vines, and ultimately, better wines. He avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, focusing instead on promoting biodiversity and maintaining the natural balance of his vineyards. This approach allows Krutzler to produce wines that reflect the true character of the region, with minimal intervention in the cellar.

In the winery, Krutzler emphasizes a hands-off approach to winemaking. His wines are fermented with native yeasts, and he avoids excessive manipulation during the winemaking process, allowing the natural qualities of the grapes to shine through. He uses large, neutral oak barrels for aging, which allows the wines to develop complexity without being dominated by oak flavors. This restrained approach results in wines that are elegant, balanced, and expressive of their origins.

Over the years, Reinhold Krutzler’s wines have earned a devoted following both in Austria and internationally. His focus on quality over quantity and his dedication to expressing the unique terroir of Southern Burgenland have made him one of the region’s most respected winemakers. His Blaufränkisch wines, in particular, have been lauded for their ability to combine power and finesse, offering a true sense of place in every bottle.

Reinhold Krutzler’s contribution to Austrian winemaking goes beyond his own wines. By championing Southern Burgenland as a premium wine region and setting a high standard for quality, he has helped to elevate the reputation of Burgenland on the global wine stage. His work with Blaufränkisch, especially from the Eisenberg, has demonstrated the potential of Austria’s native grape varieties to produce world-class wines.

For anyone interested in discovering the true essence of Southern Burgenland, Reinhold Krutzler’s wines offer a perfect starting point. Through his commitment to sustainable practices, his focus on terroir, and his passion for Blaufränkisch, Krutzler continues to push the boundaries of what Austrian wine can achieve. His wines, whether enjoyed young or after years of aging, are a testament to the power of great winemaking and the potential of Austria’s unique vineyards.