In 1994, Hans Nittnaus did something extraordinary: he gifted his already trademarked brand name "Pannobile" to a newly founded winegrowers' association in Gols. Since this generous gesture, the
Weingut Nittnaus (Anita & Hans) has been inextricably linked with the history of Burgenland. On the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl, the family has been cultivating their vineyards since 1684, today spanning 36 hectares between Gols and the Leithaberg region. They have been working strictly biodynamically since 2007. Their flagship cuvée Comondor and the classic Pannobile wines made from Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt showcase the full power of the Pannonian limestone and slate soils.
The Pannobile legend: when a winegrower gave away his name
It is one of the most remarkable stories in Austrian winegrowing: back in the early 1990s, Hans Nittnaus had registered the term
"Pannobile" as a brand name for his wines. When eight Gols winegrowers joined forces in 1994 to form the association of the same name, he simply gave them his valuable brand name. The blend of "Pannonia" and "noble" was henceforth to stand for all members, an act of generosity that perfectly reflects Hans Nittnaus's character. Today
Pannobile is one of Austria's most renowned wine associations, and the Nittnaus estate remains a founding member of this exceptional community.
Biodynamic pioneers between Lake Neusiedl and the Leithaberg
As early as 2007 the Nittnaus family converted their 36 hectares of vineyards to
biodynamic farming, a bold step that shapes all their wines today. A diverse cover crop grows between the vine rows,
compost building replaces artificial fertilisers, and spontaneous fermentation allows the wines to develop naturally. "We don't make the wine, we accompany it," is how Hans Nittnaus describes his philosophy. Half the vineyards lie around Gols on the warm Heideboden, the other half in the cooler Leithaberg region near Jois. This combination of
limestone and schist soils gives
Blaufränkisch in particular its characteristic minerality and elegance.
Comondor and the art of the 500-litre cask
Comondor, Nittnaus's flagship cuvée, made the estate known beyond the borders of Burgenland as early as the early 1990s. This powerful red blend matures for 18 to 22 months in
500-litre casks, which give the wine just the right amount of oak without dominating it. Alongside the legendary
Pannobile Rot 2022 from Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, elegant white wines are made here too, such as the
Kalk & Schiefer Cuvée Weiss 2023. As at neighbouring
Weingut Heinrich, the consistently biodynamic approach stands for uncompromising quality and sustainability.
A new generation with Andi and Martin
Today the sons
Andi and Martin Nittnaus are gradually taking over responsibility: Andi, the quiet craftsman, looks after vineyard and cellar, while Martin, the creative mind, brings in new ideas. Their different characters complement each other perfectly, just like those of their parents Anita and Hans. The
Blaufränkisch Kalk & Schiefer 2023 already shows the signature of the new generation:
precise, mineral and impressively long. The Nittnaus family never let themselves be dazzled by the awards they win every year, such as the Grosses Gold 2024 for Blaufränkisch or the Vinaria Trophy 2018 for Comondor. Their motto remains simple:
"Wines for living. Since 1684."
