Batonnage from Weingut Scheiblhofer is one of the winery’s most distinctive and ambitious wines, created as part of the “Club Batonnage”, a collaboration of Austrian winemakers aiming to push stylistic boundaries. The wine is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with Blaufränkisch typically forming the backbone, while the international varieties add structure and depth.
Grapes are harvested at full, often very high ripeness, resulting in a concentrated and powerful profile. Vinification involves extended maceration to maximize extraction, followed by aging in new French oak barrels, often using a double-oak approach.
Aromatically, the wine is intense and layered, with notes of dark berries, black cherry, chocolate, smoke, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, and structured, with pronounced tannins and a long, warming finish.
The high alcohol and richness contribute to its bold, modern style, while careful aging allows additional complexity and balance to emerge over time. Despite its power, the wine retains a degree of precision and varietal character.
Overall, Batonnage stands as a benchmark for contemporary, opulent red wines from Burgenland, appealing to those who favor intensity, depth, and aging potential.
Producer
Weingut Scheiblhofer is a modern family-owned winery located in Andau, within the Burgenland, an area known for its warm climate and ideal conditions for producing rich, full-bodied wines. Founded by Johann Scheiblhofer in the 1980s, the estate gained international recognition under the leadership of his son, Erich Scheiblhofer, who took over in 2000.
The winery cultivates around 85–100 hectares of vineyards, focusing primarily on red varieties such as Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Its style is characterized by ripe fruit, concentration, and frequent oak aging, resulting in structured and approachable wines.
One of its most recognizable labels is “Big John,” which reflects the winery’s bold and modern identity. Scheiblhofer also stands out for its investment in innovation and sustainability, including energy-efficient production supported by solar power.
In addition to winemaking, the estate has developed a strong enotourism offering, combining wine experiences with hospitality and events. Overall, it represents a contemporary approach to Austrian winemaking, balancing scale, quality, and a clear market-oriented style.