Blaufrankisch Grosshoflein Esterhazy 2020
Country
Austria
Region
Burgenland
Producer
Weingut Esterhazy
Grape(s)
Blaufrankisch (100%)
Type
Red
Style
Smooth
Oaked Style
Oaked
Body Style
Medium bodied
Dry/Sweet Style
Bone dry
Alcohol Content
13.5%
Closure Style
Screw cap
Organic/Biodynamic
In conversion-organic
Sustainable
Yes-sustainable practices
Vegetarian/Vegan
Vegetarian
Yes
Vegan
Yes
Allergens
Sulphites
Yes
Milk
No
Egg
No
Region
Despite the country`s image as the producer of some of the world`s finest white wines, Austria is also home to a thriving red wine culture. Burgenland, south-east of Vienna, with its sunny, continental summers, is the country`s key red wine region, with its wines based mainly on the Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt grape varieties. The region occupies a narrow strip of land that runs from the Danube River down to Steiermark in the south. On its eastern side is the border with Hungary, and to the west lies the most eastern foothills of the Alps. Burgenland`s Lake Neusiedl (Neusiedlersee) is one of the viticultural focus points, tempering the climate of the hot continental region.
Producer
The Esterhazy family have been producing wine in the Burgenland for over 300 years. The historical winery was in cellars under the palace in Eisenstadt, but in 2006 a new, high-tech winery was opened at Trausdorf. The Estate now holds 65 hectares spread over the hills near Eisenstadt heading down towards Lake Neusiedlersee. These sites were chosen specifically for their geological structure with rich mineral soil types. With further plantings have come strict re forestry programmes to ensure no environmental impact. Since 2006 Esterhazy have been moving towards more modern and environmentally friendly viticulture, practicing organic farming with certification from the 2023 harvest onwards.
Tasting Notes
Handpicked from the Grosshoflein single vineyard composed of rich black clay topsoils with fossilised limestone beneath. This Blaufrankisch spontaneously ferments in large 5500L open top wooden fermenters. This is followed by 12 months of maturation in 500l second use barrels and a further year in bottle. This is an elegant wine with a delicate floral aroma of violets followed by sour cherries, blackberries, and perfumed spices. The palate is smooth and complex with velvety, supple tannins and the animating acidity and minerality lends to a long fresh finish.
Food
A fruit driven rich Blaufrankish which will stand up to game or beef paired with autumnal vegetables .
