Just one go to to Austria is in my journey pocket book and that was many years in the past. After I backpacked by means of Europe with my faculty roommate, we meandered by means of Salzburg and even set foot within the gazebo on the grounds of the “Sound of Music” dwelling. (Later, I found that nobody is Austria has even heard of the Sound of Music film, a lot much less the gazebo – ha!)
Now I’m within the planning phases for a late spring 2025 journey to Austria with one other faculty pal. There’s a chance we’ll go to vineyards, however within the occasion we don’t, I’ll undoubtedly sip Austrian wine once we’re there. My “pre-gaming” efforts to date embrace studying extra concerning the intriguing wines from this iconic nation. Only recently, I used to be despatched (as samples) two shockingly inexpensive and scrumptious wines of Blaufrankisch from Austria’s Burgenland area. Let the journey start!
Photograph Credit score: Zantho Vineyard
Austria is a cool local weather nation that produces wines with outstanding aromatics. Burgenland, the warmest of Austrian wine areas positioned within the east, is influenced by a scorching continental local weather and influences of Lake Neusiedl. The comparatively lengthy rising season lasts for as much as 250 days. The best level within the province is on the border with Hungary, at 2900 toes above sea stage and the bottom level (additionally the bottom level in Austria) is simply 374 toes above sea stage. Burgenland is the second-largest wine area within the nation .
Dominant white grape varieties grown in Burgenland embrace Welschriesling, Chardonnay (Morillon), Weisburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Gelber Muskateller, the Traminer household, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Crimson grapes embrace Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent or Blauburgunder (Pinot Noir). The world produces opulent and structured purple wines in addition to full bodied, complicated whites and exquisite, candy wines.
Photograph Credit score: Wine Folly
Blaufrankisch was first documented within the 1700s in Austria that was thought-about Germany on the time; it’s most certainly of Austrian or Hungarian origin. The identify for the range was Lemberger (Limberger) and was used as a crossing associate for Zweigelt, Blauburger, Roesler and Rathay. Now, Blaufrankisch is cultivated within the north, central, and southern areas of Burgenland in addition to in jap Niederösterreich. Sometimes, the late ripening selection presents daring and complicated deep forest berry, cherry notes, spice and earth with brilliant acidity. Dense with gripping tannic construction when younger, Blaufrankisch is extremely regarded and shines when aged.
Sip a little bit of Austria if you pour a glass of both wines of Blaufrankisch reviewed under.
Gunter + Regina Triebaumer Blaufrankisch 2022 ($15) from Rust, a city on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, is from a spread that’s the household’s “private ardour.” Cultivated on soils of chalky loam in a single winery, the wine was aged in oak casks. Served barely chilled then decanted, I discovered highly effective aromas of black pepper, tart cherries, purple florals and ripe blackberries. On the palate, agency tannic construction and meals pleasant acidity had been the inspiration on which notes of tobacco, darkish berries, earth and spice had been dominant. This wealthy, barely candy wine was excellent with grilled lamb burgers, but it surely might simply complement a Reuben sandwich, Hungarian goulash or something with bacon.
Minerality, blackberries and chic fruit notes on the nostril characterised Zantho Blaufrankisch 2022 ($10). Dry with flavors of succulent berries and spiced compote, intense tannins and brilliant acidity supplied the body. Grapes had been grown in Andau, Burgenland, an space with a light, dry local weather boasting websites sheltered from the wind. This refined wine was aged for 12 months in stainless-steel tanks. Get pleasure from a glass or two with mushroom risotto, beef stroganoff, or a pasta e fagioli.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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