Kategoriarkiv: Austrian red wines

Austrian red wines

Austrian Meinklang with explosive red fruit

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The black grape variety Pinot noir is one of the grape varieties that has been cultivated the longest by man, probably already around 2,000 years ago. Even though it is a sensitive grape it has become more and more popular in recent decades, and here is a very fruity and explosive example from Meinklang, run by the Michlits family and located in Burgenland by the shallow Neusiedlersee . Just over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year allow blue grape varieties such as pinot noir, zweigelt, and blaufränkisch to ripen to perfection. The mineral-rich volcanic soils are also ideal for the vines. The property is certified for organic cultivation, and the family also has livestock, orchards and other crops to create diversity. The family’s holdings extend into Hungary, so Meinklang has both Austrian and Hungarian wines in its repertoire.

This pinot noir is produced with minimal intervention, which means, among other things, careful use of sulphur and storage in used barrels so as not to affect the wine too much. The result is a nose full of fruity, slightly perfumed scents , slightly white peppery hints and nice vegetal notes with lots of wild raspberries, lavender, cherries, strawberries and herbs.

On the palate, there is crisp acidity balanced with fruity flavors with hints of wild raspberries, fresh herbs, cherries, strawberries and violets. The wine is nuanced and has an elegant finish which is very fruity. The wine can be stored well for up to three years, but is already very enjoyable today.

Food? This fruity Pinot goes well with a variety of different styles. Dishes that are extra good matches, however, are tapas such as olives, tapenade, parmesan and ham, herb-baked chicken fillet in the oven, veal mince steaks, pasta carbonara and cheese and ham pie.

I really appreciate this natural Pinot Noir, for a price of 139 SEK at Systembolaget (nr 75093), and I give it 83 points.

Austrian red wines

Biodynamic Pinot from Austria

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From the region Burgenland in the southern part of Austria we taste this red wine called Meinklang made of the grape variety Pinot Noir. It has a nice high level of acidity, velvety smooth tannins and fruity notes of violet, raspberries, red cherries as well as herbs and a flinty touch in the finish.

This wine is well-balanced and well worth its price of 129 SEK at Systembolaget (nr 75093). The alcohol level is 12 %. It is a very good match with both fresh salads, cooked or roasted vegetables – as well as lighter meat dishes and salmon.

The producer Meinklang is bio dynamically certified and run by the Family Michlits in Burgenland (Demeter certification). On the bottle it is written ” The Angus cattle populates the landscape by Lake Neusiedlersee. Cows are the key element of biodynamic farming and complete the ecological circle. Healthy soil and harmonious vine metabolism are the central focus for wines with character which shine in the distinctive play of Burgenland’s colors. The climate in Burgenland with its hot summer days enable the grapes to ripen completely, whilst the cool nights allow the grapes to rest and the flavours to fully develop. The result is powerful, natural, concentrated fruit, full of character.” This is a very pleasant wine which gets 83 points!

Austrian red wines

Pleasant organic Shiraz with chocolate and spicy notes

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From Gemtree Vineyards in Mc Laren Vale, South Australia, this organic wine made of 100% Shiraz (the same grape variety as Syrah) gives lovely notes of blackberries, blueberries, black pepper and licorice. It has been matured in oak barrels, giving more integrated tannins and adding flavours of chocolate and vanilla.

This wine is well-balanced, and has nice acidity balanced with intense flavours and smooth but still structured tannins. As a result, this wine is very easy to combine with both spicy vegetarian dishes as well as most meat dishes – especially when served with pepper, herbs and grilled ingredients! I give this wine 87 points, it is excellent and well worth its price of 119 SEK. It has nr 20033 at Systembolaget.

Austrian red wines

Wildwux Austrian pleasant cuvée

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Austria is quite a rare experience for me, but it is getting more common now in Sweden to find nice Austrian wines. This cuvée from Burgenland called Wildwux (2015) is spicy and well-balanced  and worth its price of 120 SEK (nr 2911). I give it 84 points.

The cuvée is made of 30% Zweigelt, 27% Sankt Laurent, 27% Merlot, 11% Blaufränkisch and 5% Pinot noir black grapes. Both Zweigelt, St Laurent and Blaufränkisch are typical Austrian grape varieties. This cuvée gives a mix of spices, herbs, bramble, raspberries and oak on the nose. The alcohol level is 13 %. Half of the wine has been matured in oak vessels for a year (50 % in French and 50 % in Austrian oak barrels).

Wildwux is produced by Birgit Braunstein KG, who took over the family vineyard in Burgenland in 2001 (in the area Neusidlersee). The family has grown grapes in these fields from 1632. The focus has for a long time been long term sustainability, and from 2016 it is biodynamic certified.

The wine is spicy and well-balanced. You can sense the oak, and some chocolate notes. Raspberries and blueberries are present – and the typical peppery sour cherry notes from Blaufränkisch! I personally enjoy it also on its own, at around 16° C, or with a cheese like soft white mold cheese. It will also combine well with lamb or pork dishes. Enjoy!