Markus Altenburger farms 17 hectares in Jois organically, with Blaufränkisch at the centre of the range.
The producer
Markus Altenburger took over the family winery in Jois in 2006, and organic farming began in 2014. Blaufränkisch vom Kalk has clear fruit, delicate tannin and juiciness. For Altenburger Cric 2021, intact bunches underwent two weeks of maceration before spontaneous fermentation in a wooden fermenter. These bottles sit within a cellar program based on native fermentation, limited sulfur before bottling, and no fining or filtration.
Known for
Organic farming and Blaufränkisch
Notable facts
The 17-hectare vineyard base is divided equally between estate-owned land and long-term rentals.
Two-thirds of the vines are more than 30 years old, and the oldest were planted by Markus Altenburger’s grandfather in 1969.
Weingut Markus Altenburger Weiss 2024 combines six varieties and was fermented half on the skins and half in a concrete egg.
Hamster & Firs 2022 blends Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.
From the atlas
Weingut Markus Altenburger
At A Glance
Base
Jois, Austria
Owner and winemaker
Markus Altenburger
Cultivated vineyard area
17 hectares
Farming
Organic since 2014
Cellar
Native fermentation; no fining or filtration
Bottles
Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2023; Altenburger Cric 2021; Hamster & Firs 2022; Weingut Markus Altenburger Weiss 2024
The Producer
Markus Altenburger took over his family’s winery in Jois in 2006 and works as its owner and winemaker. The 17-hectare vineyard base is divided equally between estate-owned land and long-term rentals. Two-thirds of the vines are more than 30 years old; the oldest were planted by Markus’s grandfather in 1969.
The winery has practiced organic farming since 2014. Vineyard work also incorporates biodynamic preparations 500 and 501 without biodynamic certification. Bernadette Altenburger handles administration, marketing and other work across the family winery.
Native fermentation has been used since Markus’s first vintage in 2007. Fermentation and maceration take place in large, old-style wooden vessels. The only addition is 7 to 15 ppm sulfur before bottling, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered.
Wines
Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2023 is entirely Blaufränkisch, grown on limestone and limestone-rich loam. The current wine is aged in large wooden casks and has clear fruit, delicate tannin and juiciness. The 2023 tasting profile is medium-bodied and generous, with black fruit, cranberry, pepper and wild-fruit aromas.
Altenburger Cric 2021 is Blaufränkisch. Intact bunches underwent two weeks of maceration before spontaneous fermentation in a wooden fermenter. The wine then spent 12 months in an used 2,000-litre oak barrel and was bottled unfined and unfiltered with 10 mg of added sulfites. Its vines grow beside old vines planted by Markus’s grandfather in 1969.
Weingut Markus Altenburger Weiss 2024 combines Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, Muskat Ottonel, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Neuburger. Half was fermented on the skins and half in a concrete egg. The white-wine range is chalky, salty and spicy, with length and depth instead of overtly perfumed fruit.
Hamster & Firs 2022 is a red blend of Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt.