Austrian wines are known for their elegance, depth, and rich history, and a name that stands out in this sphere is Leo Hillinger. A pioneer in the Austrian wine industry, Hillinger has gained international acclaim for his innovative approach, commitment to quality, and dedication to sustainability. His wines, particularly the Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss, have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts worldwide, earning prestigious accolades, including top honors at the USA Wine Ratings. Let’s look into the fascinating journey of Leo Hillinger, the winemaking process behind the award-winning Blaufränkisch, and the brand's vision for the future.

Leo Hillinger: The Journey of a Visionary

"If someone had told me at the beginning that I would be where I am today, I would have laughed at them and called them crazy!" recalls Leo Hillinger, founder and head winemaker of Leo Hillinger Wines. Born into a small family of wine merchants in Eisenstadt in 1967, Hillinger’s dreams were once modest—focused on earning enough to buy a car. However, an internship at a German winery changed everything, sparking a passion for winemaking that led to further internships in South Africa, California, and Australia.

By 1990, Hillinger took over his parents' small farm, with less than a hectare of land and a significant debt. Through sheer determination, he transformed the struggling business into an international brand, with over 100 hectares of vineyards. The milestone of opening his own winery in 2004, attended by 300 guests from around the world, was a turning point in his career. Now celebrating over three decades of success, Hillinger remains humble and grateful, looking forward to passing the legacy to his children, Leo Junior and Vivienne.

"Consistency, consistency, consistency," is Hillinger’s life motto. This guiding principle, coupled with innovation, elevated his father’s small business to global renown. His dedication has made Hillinger a leading entrepreneur in the wine industry, exporting his wines to around 20 countries. Today, he is much more than a winemaker—he's an entrepreneur, investor, book author, and even a TV star.

Image: Leo Hillinger – Entrepreneur and passionate organic winemaker.

The Award-Winning Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss

Blaufränkisch, according to Hillinger, is the ultimate grape variety of origin. "Blaufränkisch has the unique ability to reflect an entire year and all its experiences," he explains. The vineyard for their Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss is nestled above Lake Neusiedl, shielded from the wind by a wooded area, creating an ideal environment for the grapes to thrive.

The winemaking process is conscientious, with the grapes harvested by hand and carefully destemmed before undergoing mash fermentation. The focus is on minimal intervention, allowing the wine to develop naturally. After 19 days, the wine is transferred to a 3,200-liter wooden barrel, where it remains for three and a half years. Throughout this period, the wine is carefully nurtured, ensuring its full potential is realized.

Bottling the Blaufränkisch was a labor of love, done by hand to preserve the wine's delicate nature. The result is an exceptional wine with intense, stable fruit flavors, a feminine elegance, and a powerful, polished finish. "This wine is completely at peace with itself," Hillinger states. "Majestic, elegant, and great, this wine tolerates no other gods besides itself."

Video: Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss - Rust | 2024 Best In Show By Country. Represented by Leo Hillinger.

Exceptional Winemaking Techniques at Leo Hillinger Wines

At Leo Hillinger Wines, quality is deeply intertwined with organic farming practices. "Wine is already made in the vineyard," Hillinger emphasizes. The goal is to leave the grapes on the vine as long as possible, allowing them to accumulate flavors and reflect the vintage. In the cellar, the focus is on letting the wine develop naturally, whether in barriques, large wooden barrels, or stainless steel tanks.

Winemaking at Leo Hillinger is a team effort. "Only together can we achieve the best quality," Hillinger says, underscoring the collaborative approach that defines the winery’s success.

2024 USA Wine Ratings: Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss - Best In Show By Country Category.

Differentiation Through Branding and Innovation

When Hillinger took over his father's business, the Austrian wine industry was in a challenging state, with its reputation damaged by the glycol wine scandal. Hillinger set out to prove that Austrian wine could stand among the world’s best. He revolutionized not only the content but also the packaging and presentation of his wines. His creativity led to innovations such as unique bottle designs and labels, including the world-renowned drop-shaped label that won a world championship title in 1993.

One of his most notable achievements was the creation of the Icon HILL, a wine that exemplifies his passion for both winemaking and design. Collaborating with the late architect Zaha Hadid, Hillinger created a bottle and packaging that matched the wine's outstanding quality. "A good product deserves good marketing, a bad product deserves a quick death," Hillinger famously declares, highlighting the importance of both content and presentation.

Sustainability at the Heart of Leo Hillinger Wines

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Hillinger’s winemaking philosophy. The winery practices organic farming, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to produce pure, natural wines. All of Hillinger’s wines are vegan, using plant-based alternatives for fining, and they are free from GMOs. The vineyards are dry-farmed, relying on natural rainfall to nourish the vines, which leads to more intense flavors in the grapes. Hillinger’s commitment to sustainability extends to every aspect of production, from eco-conscious packaging to a no-irrigation policy that conserves water and enhances wine quality.

USA Wine Ratings and Market Presence

Participating in and winning awards at prestigious competitions like the USA Wine Ratings is an essential part of Hillinger's strategy for continuous improvement. "Measuring ourselves to become even better—that is our motto!" Hillinger exclaims. Recognition at such events not only enhances the winery’s reputation but also increases visibility in international markets.

Currently, Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss is available in Virginia, distributed through Artisanal Cellars, and brokered by Klaus Wittauer with distribution extending across several states. Major retail partners include Total Wine, The Wine Cabinet, and Chain Bridge Cellars in McLean, and Reston.

Leo Hillinger’s journey from a small family farm in Austria to an internationally recognized wine brand is a reflection of his vision, determination, and passion for winemaking. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, Hillinger has redefined what it means to produce world-class wine. His award-winning Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC Ried Umriss is a shining example of Austrian wine excellence, and with the next generation poised to continue his legacy, the future looks bright for Leo Hillinger Wines. As Hillinger reflects on his success, he remains focused on nurturing the potential of his wines and inspiring future generations with his "more than wine" philosophy.