The wine with the lizard – Which animal actually adorns the Zantho label?
It is not a salamander, as is sometimes assumed. It is the Pannonian forest lizard, Zootoca vivipara pannonica to be more precise. It is primarily native to the Hansag nature reserve south of Andau, serves as a symbol of our heritage, and represents the near-natural cultivation of our vineyards.
In general, it must be said that this form of reptile is becoming increasingly rare. Due to large-scale measures to optimize agricultural land in the 20th century, the habitat of our forest lizard was greatly reduced. This led to a sharp decline in its distribution.
The Hanság National Park is located east of Lake Neusiedl. It is a drained moorland area. To protect the Great Bustard (Otis tarda), more and more agricultural land located on damp soil was decommissioned at the end of the 1980s. This led to an increase in fallow land and meadows. The drainage had a rather negative effect on the habitat of the forest lizard. In Austria, it is on the Red List and is classified as NT. This means that its species is not yet endangered, but a threat is nevertheless imminent.
The symbol
of our heritage
Where does the wine with the lizard grow?
In and around Andau, ferruginous gravel with sand deposits dominates; a very warm and well-drained soil. The stones possess the useful property of storing heat during the day and releasing it in the evening. This allows for faster and more even ripening of our grapes. The high iron content of the soil gives the wines a fine spice. Round and fruity wine types are born here – ideal for our Zweigelt, Sankt Laurent, Merlot, and Grüner Veltliner.
Another important soil type is loamy soil, which occurs more frequently in and around Halbturn on the Wagram as far as Weiden. This has the ability to store water well – essential for our grape varieties in dry and hot years. Our Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Welschriesling vines feel particularly at home here.
In the north of the Seewinkel towards the Leitha Mountains, we find very sparse, stony soils, partly interspersed with gravel, quartz, and slate elements – optimal for vibrant, mineral wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Blaufränkisch.