Fritz Wieninger is the leading wine producer in the city of Vienna and is a champion of Gemischter Satz (Geh-mish-ter Sah-ts), a traditional field blend popular in Austria’s heurigen (wine taverns). Fritz was early to focus on quality a helped to establish the Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC. He is a member of Österreichische Traditionsweingüter and respekt-BIODYN.
Bisamberg (originally "Bis zum berg") translates as “up to the hill,” and is the primary vineyard area in Vienna’s 21st district. The Bisamberg climbs up to a height of 350 meters and consists of light, sandy loess over limestone. Burgundian varietals are well suited to Bisamberg’s well-draining sandy-loam and limestone soils.
Bisamberg Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC comes from a 60-year-old vineyard named Hochfeld that Fritz took over in 2011. The vineyard planting is approximately 40% Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), 40% Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and 20% Chardonnay. The three varieties are planted in blocks and harvested concurrently, then co-fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks.
Tasting Notes
Bisamberg Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC shows the texture and richness of its Burgundian components along with the heightened aromatics and mineral structure one expects from an Austrian wine. Some tasters will draw comparisons to unoaked white Burgundy, but there’s an added smokiness and complex spiciness that make this uniquely Viennese.
Food Pairing
Gemischter Satz is the classic wine of the Viennese heurige and is at home with simply prepared foods such as charcuterie, flavored cheese spreads, and dark bread. Fresh acidity and medium weight allow this wine to work well with grilled pork sausages and breaded white fish. Medium-spiced Asian flavors are equally compatible.