2019 Anita and Hans Nittnaus Blaufränkisch ‘Altenberg’, Leithaberg, Burgenland

Burgenland is home today to nearly one-third of Austria’s vine acreage and it’s famous for its expressive, harmonious red wines. It owes this to the Pannonian climate, in connection with the balancing influences of the nearby Lake Neusiedl. The vineyards from Nittnaus are situated in on the northern shore of lake Neusiedl. Anita and Hans Nittnaus' philosophy is complete devotion to making wines that reflect the origin and terroir of the area. The vineyards are farmed according to biodynamic methods; hand harvest, spontaneous fermentation and a low intervention approach to winemaking all taking centre stage. Almost two thirds of the vineyards are planted with indigenous red wine varieties. With a particular attention to the native variety of Blaufränkisch, as it is a firmly established favourite in their red product line. Why do we like it? The Altenberg vineyard is a single site outside the village of Jois in the Leitha hills. Anita and Hans own a parcel of 30-year-old Blaufränkisch on these slopes of slatey limestone. The wine was aged for 18 months in used 500-liter Stockingers before being bottled with minimal sulfur. This is a delicious red which you should find some seductive bright and ripe blackberrry and plum fruit on the palate, a light note of violet with fine grain tannins and deep, concentrated body but without any hint of over ripeness because it’s so fresh. and a swathe of gloriously peppery finish. It’s a wine that I find precise and elegant.   Grape            Blaufränkisch  Country        Austria                                    Region          Burgenland                            Vintage         2019