Paul Achs Lust & Leben 2014

Paul Achs returned to the family winery in Gols in 1991 after spending time in California where he learned to produce red wines at the highest level of quality. Ninety percent of the production is dedicated to red wine and all 25 hectares are farmed biodynamically. Paul Achs wines are characterized by elegance and finesse.

Neusiedlersee is the largest and warmest of the four Burgenland regions occupying the entire eastern side of Lake Neusiedl to the town of Neusiedl itself north of the lake. The area is famous for its sweet wines but has become increasingly important for Zweigelt and red wine blends.

Lust & Leben is an approachable and easy drinking red blend of 50% Zweigelt, 30% St. Laurent, 20% Blaufränkisch. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and is aged for 18 months in a combination of used Burgundian pièce and large French and Austrian oak casks. 

Tasting Notes

Well-drained soil and the warm Pannonian climate gives Lust & Leben a ripe and generous fruit character while also being approachable and easy to drink. The wine is both ripe and savory with ripe cherry fruit and refreshing profile with no taste of wood despite 18 months aging in used barrels.

Food Pairing

Burgenland’s cuisine is influenced by neighboring Hungary and it’s not unusual to find dishes like goulash or stuffed peppers in the region, all liberally spiced with paprika. Burgenland’s red wines are well-suited to complement these hearty and spicy flavors but offers broad versatility at the table thanks to its firm acidity and savory character.