Wines Neusiedlersee DAC Erich Scheiblhofer - Jois - 2020

Viniou Reviews

The 2020 Cuvée Jois from Erich Scheiblhofer is a red blend hailing from the renowned Neusiedlersee DAC in Burgenland, Austria. This wine is crafted as a dry style, typical for the region, and it skillfully brings together several grape varieties—though the precise blend can vary, it is common in this area to see a mix that might include Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and potentially international varieties such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2020 vintage benefits from a warm and stable growing season, offering optimal ripeness and depth. Scheiblhofer is celebrated for modern, fruit-forward wines, and the vinification here reflects a meticulous approach, focusing on extracting plush fruit flavours while maintaining freshness and balance.

Burgenland, and particularly the Neusiedlersee subregion, is well-known for its Pannonian climate, which combines warm, sunny days with cool nights thanks to the proximity of Lake Neusiedl. This unique climate not only extends the growing season but also allows for excellent aromatic development and phenolic ripeness, particularly in red grapes. The soils around Neusiedlersee are varied but often comprised of gravel, sand, and clay, contributing both structure and minerality to the resulting wines. This area has a long viticultural tradition, blending Austrian heritage with a forward-looking, innovative spirit—qualities embodied by the dynamic wines of Scheiblhofer.

Given the ripe fruit profile and supple tannins typical of Cuvée Jois, this wine pairs beautifully with dishes that offer both richness and nuance. Classic pairings include roast duck with red berry sauce, grilled sirloin, or even paprika-spiced Austrian goulash. The wine’s vibrant character also suits regional dishes such as Wiener schnitzel served alongside root vegetables, or a hearty mushroom risotto.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this red at 16-18°C to accentuate its fruit-driven aromatics while softening the tannic structure. Decanting for about 30 minutes prior to serving will help the wine open up, revealing further layers of spice and complexity. This 2020 Cuvée Jois is equally enjoyable now for its youthful vibrancy or can be cellared for several years to evolve greater depth.