PRESS KIT

THE RUBIN CARNUNTUM WINE ESTATE

Information: Wine&Partners, 0043 1 369 79 900

Index

1.   The Origins of „Carnuntum“ 1  

2.   Ancient Carnuntum 2  

3.   Wine Growing in Ancient Carnuntum 3  

4.   Carnuntum in the 20th Century 5  

5.   Viniculture in 21st Century Carnuntum 7  

6.   The Association of Rubin Carnuntum Vintners 8  

7.   Carnuntum Terroir 11  

8.   CARNUNTUM EXPERIENCE 13  

9.   Wineries, Brands and Distribution 14  

10.   General Information 16  

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1. The Origins of „Carnuntum“

The wine growing area of Carnuntum is situated east of Vienna, just south of the Danube River.

Here are three hill locations devoted to viticulture: the Leithagebirge, the Arbesthaler Hügelland

and the Hundsheimer Berge.

The stony chalk and loess soils together with the climatic influences of the nearby Pannonian plain

and the Neusiedlersee, or Lake Neusiedl, provide ideal conditions for wine growing.

The name of Carnuntum actually refers to the Roman colony that was located in what is now

Petronell- Bad Deutsch-Altenburg. In this area, numerous excavations in recent times have turned

up ancient amphitheater and temple ruins that defer to the time when the first grapevines were

planted here.

The symbol of Carnuntum - Austria’s most famous Roman landmark - is the Heidentor. Although its

name refers to a city “door” or “gate”, it actually was built as a monument to Emperor Constantius

II (354-361 A.D.).

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2. Ancient Carnuntum

Founded as a fortified winter camp in 6 A.D., Carnuntum developed over the next few centuries into one of the most important cities of the Roman empire.

Built at the intersection of the Amber and Limes roads, this budding city became a Danube metropolis at the end of the 2nd century A.D. Under Emperor Marc Aurel, Carnuntum served as a Roman imperial residence between 171 and 173 A.D. And in 193 A.D., Septimius Severus was proclaimed emperor here.

Ancient Carnuntum extended over an area of approximately ten square kilometers, which today makes up the municipality of Petronell-Carnuntum and Bad Deutsch Altenburg. During its golden age in the 3rd century A.D., Colonia Septimia Aurelia Antoniniana Carnuntum boasted 50, 000 inhabitants. Indeed, Carnuntum was a cultural melting pot.

Carnuntum: Important Dates

6 A.D. Campaign led by the Roman general Tiberius against the Markomannen. First mentioning of the name Carnuntum by the historian Velleius Paterculus.

Around 40 A.D. Legion XV of Apollinaris builds a fortified military camp, which was completed in stone under Emperor Vespasian.

103-107 A.D. Carnuntum becomes the capital of Upper Pannonia (Pannonia Superior), residence of the provincial governor.

Around 124 A.D. Granting of the municipal law (Minisipium Aelium Carnuntum) by Emperor Hadrian.

171-173 A.D. Carnuntum serves as the headquarters of Emperor Marc Aurel during the war against the Markomannen.

April 9th, 193 A.D. Lucius Septimius Severus, governor of Upper Pannonia, is proclaimed emperor by his troupes. Shortly afterward, the city is elevated to Colonia Seoptimia Aurelia Antoniniana Carnuntum.

260-261 A.D. Publius C. Realianus is proclaimed emperor by the troupes. Coins bearing his impression are found only in Carnuntum.

November 11th, 308 A.D. Meeting of the emperors held in Carnuntum: Diocletian, Galerius and Maximian try to preserve the tetrarchy system of government.

364-375 A.D. Emperor Valentinian I uses Carnuntum as the base for battling the German Quaden. Renovation of the fortifications of the Danube Limes.

400 A.D. The Romans begin to leave Carnuntum.

Around 430 A.D. Rome gives up the province of Pannonia. Carnuntum is mentioned for the last time in the Romans´ official schematism (Notitia Dignitatum).

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3. Wine Growing in Ancient Carnuntum

Carnuntum´s historical heritage not only encompasses ancient Rome, but also an excellent wine

culture. Many archaeological findings - excavated remains of structures and buildings; changes in

soil patterns; various tools; containers for supplies and drink; stone relief images and drawings,

and ancient plant residues - provide important clues to the wine culture of that period.

Wine in the proper sense comes from the vine species, Vitis vinifera. According to the most recent

research findings, the origins of the species as a wild vine date to 5000 B.C Near East. However, in

the 2nd century B.C., the culture of wine growing spread from the Near East to Crete, Greece and

northern Italy. Also, the Greeks brought wine culture to southern Italy, Spain, northern Africa and

the south of France. And in Celtic times, the Greeks and Etruscans brought wine knowledge to

western, central and northern Europe. These “introductions” were based generally on trade

relationships. The wine and valued drinking vessels were imported from the Mediterranean area.

Traces of wine culture were revealed in the 1st century A.D. as well: archaeological findings in the

Pannonian region indicate that wine growing was at hand there.

For the Romans, wine growing was the most profitable sector within the agriculture and livestock

economy. In fact, wine growing was expanded northward. But this also meant that technical

changes were required for production; the vines were exposed to rougher climatic conditions

(especially frost), which in turn demanded more labour-intensive care in the vineyards.

Emperor M. Aurelius Probus (276-282 A.D.) was continuously credited with creating a true wine

culture in the region. In fact, he eased many of the legal wine growing restrictions that had been

previously imposed in the northern and western provinces.

It is difficult to say which grape varieties existed in ancient Carnuntum. But there was probably a

mix of white and red varieties (vinum album, vinum atrum).

During harvests, grapes were picked fully ripened, and by hand – as well as with the use of a knife

- and collected in baskets. Many of the vine knives, made of iron, were found in Carnuntum. These

can be seen today in the Archaeological Museum Carnuntinum, in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.

Also numerous other tools, such as spades, pickaxes and heavy axes, were found in Carnuntum.

The best grapes were used as table grapes and came to the markets in special baskets. But the

majority of the grapes from the harvests were transferred from the baskets into great tubs, and

then brought to press houses. There, the grapes were tread upon by naked feet in the tubs.

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This procedure is called, in Latin, "calcare" (to tread), and was adapted into German as "keltern".

Of course, necessary hygiene measures were taken in the foot-treading tubs. Finally, the third step

in the process was the pressing of the treaded grapes - in a press. After the pressing, the must

was stored in rounded clay fermentation vessels, which were closed by flat lids with handles. They

were then stored in the gardens or the cellars. In the alpine areas as well as in Pannonia, mainly

wooden barrels were used.

In Spring, the wine was filled into amphoras. These were closed with clay-stoppers, and sealed

with plaster or paste (although cork stoppers had been used increasingly since the 1st century

A.D.). Each amphora and storage jug usually had a painted label that contained information about

the grape variety and in which year the wine had been pressed.

Because wine was considered a basic nourishment product for all levels of the population, it was

therefore one of the main trading goods of Imperium Romanum. There were several wine traders,

many of them known by name through inscriptions. Transport of the wine was made by ship or,

otherwise, over land. Stone monuments lay testament to the trade, showing impressive

representations of wine ships, wagons and carts – all loaded with barrels.

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4. Carnuntum in the 20th Century

The number and structure of the wine growing operations in Carnuntum have changed

dramatically over the last 100 years. Initially, all winemakers were primarily agricultural and

livestock farmers. But for their wine production, barrel wine dominated, with white wines

representing nearly 85% of production in 1900 (except for the Spitzerberg wines, which were

mainly of the red Blaufränkisch variety).

At around 1900, mostly white wine was produced. Müller Thurgau, Neuburger, Österreich Weiß

(Austrian White), Grüner Sylvaner and Muskateller represented the roster of white varieties. In the

vineyards, the stake training method was dominant. However, it was common for several grape

varieties to be planted within a single vineyard; these grapes were vinified together, resulting in

the production of “Gemischter Satz” wines.

The municipal capital, Bruck/Leitha, was an important wine town at the turn of the 20th century.

Until 1850, all sites on the Leithagebirge through to Jois in the Burgenland province were planted

with vines. However, on the Lagerberg, an imperial military training area was set up, taking over a

vast portion of the vineyards. Still, around 100 Heurige, or wine taverns, could be found in the

twon in the 1880s.

After World War II - in the 1950s, Carnuntum´s wine economy was near ruin. The sales were very

low, and a wine cooperative was founded in the Prellenkirchen area in order to take over

production. While agriculture began to experience more and more mechanization and yields were

on the upswing, labour intensification in the vineyards as well as price decreases led to more and

more wineries ceasing production.

In the little village of Berg, located on the southwestern edge of the Hundsheimer Berge, there

were a total of 100 ha of vineyards and 107 wineries in operation. Today, only 25 ha. of vineyards

and three winemakers operate in this area.

Another wine town, Prellenkirchen, boasted 1, 000 ha. of vineyards at the turn of the century. By

1950, the total of vineyard ha. shrunk to 350. Today, only 125 ha. of vineyards are cultivated.

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This development is representative for the entire region - only the village of Göttlesbrunn has

been able to take advantage of its proximity to Vienna and increases its wine sales in recent

decades. Although just a handful of winemakers were able to reap the benefits of the quality

revolution that took over the Austrian wine industry in the late 1980s, several producers began to

ride the wave of success through the country´s red wine boom in the ´90s. At this time, many

operations converted from mixed agricultural enterprises to solely wine making estates.

From Insider Tip to Shooting Star

While Austria’s wine scene experienced a quality and image rehaul during the 1990s, things in

Carnuntum remained fairly low-key. However, when the country’s red wine boom began in 2000,

quality development took off in the hills of Göttlesbrunn, Arbesthal and Höflein. Suddenly,

Carnuntum began to emerge from the shadows of Austria’s famous wine regions; an insider tip

evolving into a shooting star. Contributing to this development were – and are - the area’s vine-

loving soils as well as the influences of Lake Neusiedl and the cool winds from the Danube river;

and especially the talented young winemakers who know how to extract the utmost potential from

these advantages of nature.

The highly sought-after wines here are rich in juice and power; the muscular Grüner Veltliner and

Burgundian varietals are fine examples. But the monumental red wines loaded with expressive fruit

and mature tannins comprise the explosive Zweigelt, the dark fruit-laden Blaufränkisch and the

full-bodied Cabernet. These hail from superb locations - the sunny southern slopes of the

Spitzerberg, in the south of Hainburg and around the area of Göttlesbrunn.

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5. Viniculture in 21st Century

Carnuntum is one of Austria’s smallest wine growing areas. With about 900 hectares under vine, it

represents only two percent of Austria’s vineyards.

2009

1 20092

Total rounded white red

Austria 43.615 28.290 15.325 Lower Austria 26.047 20.141 6.987 Weinviertel 12.737 9.414 3.322 Kamptal 3.637 2.800 837 Wagram 2.392 1.863 529 Kremstal 2.505 2.009 496 Thermenregion 1.855 995 860 Wachau 1.295 1.148 147 Carnuntum 876 402 474 Traisental 722 583 139

Burgenland 12.928 5.557 7.371 Neusiedlersee 7.224 3.710 3.514

Neusiedlersee-Hügelland 2.912 1.475 1.437

Mittelburgenland 2.397 191 2.206 Südburgenland 395 181 213 Styria 4.044 3.028 1.016 Weststeiermark 456 136 320 Südsteiermark 2.115 1.769 346 Südoststeiermark 1.472 1.123 350 Vienna 524 420 104 Others 72 46 25

1 Austrian Wine Marketing Board 2013 2 Austrian Wine Marketing Board 2013

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6. The Association of Rubin Carnuntum Vintners

The association of Rubin Carnuntum Vintners was formed in 1992, and therefore celebrated its 20th

anniversary in 2012. Today, there are some 40 members in the group. The Rubin Carnuntum

vintners are renowned for their cooperative spirit, verve and innovation, and have proved to be a

driving force throughout the region for many years. The quality of their wines is acknowledged by

numerous national and international accolades. In 2013 the Carnuntum vintners delivered an

impressive performance at the Falstaff magazine “Rotwein” (red wine) Gala.

From Primus - to Rubin - to Carnuntum Reserve

From the very beginning on, the wineries of Carnuntum decided to create brands reflecting the

region. In 1987, Primus Carnuntum was launched, and was followed by Rubin Carnuntum,

introduced in 1992.

Since the Austrian wine law gave a legal definition to the term “reserve” (min. 13 months of

maturation, min. 13% alc.), the best red wines of Carnuntum are presented in a joint tasting as

Carnuntum Reserve.

Participation in these initiatives as well as the usage of the labels are geared toward the

membership of the association for promoting the Carnuntum wine region.

Primus Carnuntum

In 1987, approximately 60 members belonging to an association set up to promote the Carnuntum

wine region decided to bottle their first wine with the same name: Primus Carnuntum. Each

member had to follow the requirements established for producing this wine: at least 200 kilos of

grapes, and a minimum must weight of 16° KMW (Klosterneuburger Mostwaage).

An alliance of winemakers producing a Primeur wine was, until this time, non-existent in Austria.

But Primus Carnuntum changed all that. At first, all producers delivered their grapes for this wine

to the Pitnauer winery, where it was then vinified. Since 1994, however, each winemaker can

follow an alternative of producing a Primus Carnuntum at his or her own winery – a method

preferred by the majority of the 50 members comprising the association today.

Primus Carnuntum is a white kabinett wine, produced mainly from the region´s traditional Grüner

Veltliner grapes, but also as a blend of Grüner Veltliner with other coveted varieties.

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Rigorous quantity control and jury tastings ensure high quality standards for this wine. Through

the use of the Grüner Veltliner varietal and proper maturation, Primus Carnuntum maintains its

youthful, fresh ripeness until the next vintage is ready. This is truly rare for a Primeur wine.

Since 2002, the association has been providing all of its winemakers with uniform labels – these

feature the work of painter Gottfried Lav Wurm, from the province of Lower Austria. And every

year, the wines are christened – at a special ceremony - by notable personalities; Godfathers have

included film director Franz Antel and actor Albert Fortell.

Rubin Carnuntum

Since 1992, the “Rubin Carnuntum” has represented the most

important regional brand in the Carnuntum wine-growing

area. Approximately 25 founding members produced the first

Rubin Carnuntum wine.

The requirement for the wine is a minimum grape ripeness of

18° Klosterneuburger Mostwaage (KMW). The production of

Rubin Carnuntum only permits the variety Zweigelt, for its typical regional character. The wine-

growing region of Carnuntum includes a total vineyard area of 900 hectares (ha), of which 220 ha

are cultivated with the Zweigelt variety, and 180 ha are located in the wine-growing village

communes of Höflein and Göttlesbrunn-Arbesthal. The climate between the Leitha Mountains and

the inclines of the Arbesthaler Hügelland is favourable for this variety. In winemaking, the

malolactic fermentation and a minimum of 12,5% alcohol by volume is required, to ensure the

cellaring potential of the finished wine.

Rubin Carnuntum is consistently a single varietal wine that displays regional character, delicate

fruit aromas and silky tannins. The wines need to fulfil these strict quality control measures, as well

as pass the annual jury tasting panel, before they can be authenticated with the “Rubin

Carnuntum” seal of approval. In 2013, the jury awarded 40 wines with the “Rubin Carnuntum

2012” designation. Only these wines may carry this description on their wine labels.

All “Rubin Carnuntum” wines are filled into identical bottles, to ensure the recognition of the wine,

along with an identical back label and the symbolic “Heidentor” (Heathen’s Gate) on the capsule.

In 2012, the Rubin Carnuntum Vintners celebrated the 20th anniversary of the founding of the

“Rubin Carnuntum”.

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Zweigelt – the principal grape variety

Zweigelt is the leading grape variety in the wine-growing area of Carnuntum; it is also Austria’s

most significant red wine variety with a vineyard share of 14 percent. It was created by crossing

Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.

Zweigelt from Carnuntum may be enjoyed in the year following the harvest, and the wine will keep

for up to ten years in the bottle. The fruit character of Zweigelt from Carnuntum is typically black

cherry aromas over a structured body. Silky tannins are also a sign for Carnuntum Zweigelt. The

wine displays exceptional fruit character and lively acidity, and has a supple style.

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7. Carnuntum Terroir

The vineyards of Carnuntum extend over three areas: the Leithagebirge, the Arbesthaler

Hügelland and the Hundsheimer Berge.

The Leithagebirge

The slopes of the Leithagebirge are rich in clay, gravel and chalk, which are ideal for the

grapevines thriving here. The vineyards are oriented towards the west; the forests around the

Leithagebirge shield these sites from a climate that often can be too warm and humid due to the

effects of Lake Neusiedl. And that is why the wines produced here are especially fresh and fruity.

The most important producers in this westernmost part of Carnuntum are based in

Trautmannsdorf, Sarasdorf, Stixneusiedl and Bruck/Leitha.

The Arbesthaler Hügelland

The Arbesthaler Hügelland feature waves of hills whose southern slopes are dedicated to wine

growing. The higher parts of the slopes are dominated by gravel soils, while the lower sites are

rich in clay. The annual sunshine average of 2000 hours is one of the highest in Europe. The

climatic mix of warm air travelling over from Lake Neusiedl (the Neusiedlersee), and the streams of

fresh air from the Danube to the north as well as the expansive Maria Ellend forest nearby, provide

optimal conditions for very aromatic, well-ripened grapes that guarantee fruit-intensive white wines

and warm, velvety red wines.

Arbesthal, Göttlesbrunn and Höflein are the wine-growing centers here.

The Hundsheimer Berge

This massif belongs to the Kleinen Karpaten range, although it is separated from the chain by the

Danube River. The soil here consists of mica-slate and granite-gneiss, along with elements of

chalk. The Hundsheimer Berge (comprising Hundsheimer Berg and Spitzerberg) are around only

300 meters in height. However, because the entire landscape is dominated by the Pannonian

lowlands, the Hundsheimer Berge stands out as a kind of geographical culmination point.

The entire Hundsheimer Berge area is actually protected as a nature reserve, because rare and

special plant life – unique in Austria as well as in the European Union – are found here. The flora

reflects the eastern European steppe; even plant fossils dating back to the ice age can be

discovered here. Quite rare also are the natural grasses (dry and half-dry), which grow on a thin

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layer of humus or on naked rock. Animals and insects rarely seen here include the ground squirrel,

the “Große Mausohr” bat, the stag beetle and a variety of unusual butterflies.

Vines are planted on the south- and southeast-oriented slopes of the Hundsheimer Berge. The

poor soil structure and low rainfall (less than that of the other two wine growing areas of

Carnuntum), make the Hundsheimer Berge a kind of late-ripening area of Carnuntum – which

means, of course, late-ripening grape varieties are cultivated here.

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8. CARNUNTUM EXPERIENCE

DISCOVER. EXPERIENCE. TAKE A DEEP BREATH. AND ENJOY

In 2006, the Rubin Carnuntum winemakers initiated the CARNUNTUM EXPERIENCE as a 3-day

framework programme around the annual vintage presentation of their treasured Rubin Carnuntum

wines. Visitors met the event with great enthusiasm. And the dynamics, dedication and passion of

the winemakers for “their Carnuntum” had infected and mobilized the entire region.

Numerous producers, gastronomes and cultural movers and shakers have jumped on the

bandwagon that the winemakers started driving. The CARNUNTUM EXPERIENCE 2014 will take

place over 2 weeks filled with 70 diverse and enjoyable events.

From high quality wine tastings, numerous wine & dine events and adventure programmes for

children - to music and cabaret evenings - to cool clubbings and adventurous rubber raft trips. All

of this and more are part of the CARNUNTUM EXPERIENCE celebration. There is something to suit

every taste – something for every member of the family to enjoy.

In 2015 the Carnuntum Experience will take place from 21 August – 6 September.

You will find more information to the Carnuntum Experience on: www.carnuntum-experience.com

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9. Wineries, Brands and Distribution

Kontakt Rubin Jahrgang 2011 Distribution

Weingut Michael Auer, Höflein

www.weingut-auer.com x A

Weingut Artner, Höflein

www.artner.co.at x

A, CH, D, FI, HK, LU, NL, PL,

USA Weingut Artner Bio-Weingärtnerei,

Göttlesbrunn

www.bioartner.at

x A

Weingut Johann Böheim, Arbesthal

www.gut-boeheim.at x A, CH, D, NL

Weinbau Claus Dietrich, Petronell

www.dietrich-weine.at x Ab Hof

Weingut Christian Dietrich, Prellenkirchen

www.weinbau-dietrich.com x Ab Hof

Weingut Christian & Brigitte Edelmann,

Göttlesbrunn,

www.weingut-edelmann.at

x A, D

Weingut Familie Edelmann, Göttlesbrunn

www.edelmann.cc x A, D

Weingut Walter Glatzer, Göttlesbrunn

www.weingutglatzer.at x

A, BE; CH, CZ, D, DK, FI, IT,

JP, NL, USA

Weingut Hans und Jacob Glock, Göttlesbrunn x A

Weingut Günther Glock, Edelstal x A, SK

Weingut Gottschuly-Grassl, Höflein

www.gottschuly.at x A, D, CH, TH

Weingut Hans & Philipp Grassl, Göttlesbrunn

www.weingut-grassl.com x

A, AUS, CH, D, DK, FI, JP, NL,

UK Nepomukhof Familie Graßl, Göttlesbrunn

www.nepomukhof.at x A, D, CH, SK

Weingut Franz und Gerhard Gratzer, Göttlesbrunn

www.gratzer-weine.at x A, D

Weinbau Familie Gratzer-Sandriester,

Prellenkirchen, www.gratzer-sandriester.at x A

Weinbau Herbert Hirschmann, Höflein x A

Weingut Jahner, Wildungsmauer

www.jahner.at x A, D

Weingut Ernst Lager, Göttlesbrunn

www.lager-weinbau.at x A

Weinbau Lugschitz, Hundsheim x A,D

Weingut Lukas Markowitsch, Göttlesbrunn

www.weingut-marko.com x A, D, CH, P

Weingut Gerhard Markowitsch, Göttlesbrunn

www.markowitsch.at x

A, BE, CH, CZ, D, DK, FI, LT,

NL, SE, SG, USA Weingut Meinrad Markowitsch, Göttlesbrunn

www.markowitsch.com x A, D

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Muhr-van der Niepoort, Rohrau A, BE, CH, D, DK, NO, P, PL,

SE, SP, UK, USA Weingut Robert Nadler, Arbesthal

www.weingut-nadler.at X A, D, CH, F, SE, USA

Weingut Franz & Christine Netzl, Göttlesbrunn

www.netzl.com X

A, BE, CH, CZ, D, NL, PL, RU,

SE, SK, UK, USA Weinbau Hans & Martin Netzl, Göttlesbrunn

www.netzl.net x A, D, NL

Weingut Franz Oppelmayer, Göttlesbrunn

www.oppelmayer.at x A, D, CH, SK

Weingut Stefan Ott, Arbesthal

www.weingut-ott.com x A, D, SK

Weingut Payr, Höflein

www.weingut-payr.at x A, BE, CH, C, D, Sk

Weinbau Pelzmann, Berg

www.carnuntum.com/pelzmann x A, SK

Weingut Gerhard Pimpel, Göttlesbrunn

www.gerhardpimpel.at x A, D, CH

Weinbau Josef Pimpel, Petronell

www.pimpel.com x A, D, CH, BE, USA

Weingut Familie Pitnauer, Göttlesbrunn

www.pitnauer.com x A, CH

Weinbau Riedmüller, Hainburg an der Donau

www.weinbau-riedmueller.at x A, SK

Weingut Schenzel, Bruck/Leitha

www.schenzel.com x A, D, SK

Weingut Schulz, Göttlesbrunn

www.schulz.co.at x A

Weingut Seidl, Bruck/Leitha

www.carnuntum.com/seidl x A, D

Weingut Taferner, Göttlesbrunn

www.tafi.at x A, BE, CH, D

Weinbau Trapl, Stixneusiedl

www.trapl.com x A, CH, D, FI, NL, USA

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10. General Information

DIE RUBIN CARNUNTUM WEINGÜTER

Fischamenderstraße 12/3

2460 Bruck an der Leitha

Austria

T: +43 2162 64061

F: +43 2162 64061 19

E: c.kling@roemerland-carnuntum.at

H: www.carnuntum.com

Press:

WINE&PARTNERS

Peter-Jordan-Straße 6/3

1190 Wien

Austria

T: +43 1 369 79 900

F: +43 1 369 79 909

E: s.hinteregger@wine-partners.at

H: www.wine-partners.at