So it's time to change that! This beauty comes from the Eisenberg region of the southern Burgenland. Wachter-Wiesler are a well established producer from there, making Blaufränkisch in a terroir-driven style that focuses on refinement and freshness. The wine hails from the Weinberg vineyard in the village of Deutsch-Schützen. It has a souther exposition and its soil consists of iron rich clay. After spontaneous fermentation and spent 34 months in a large oak casks.
I aerated the wine for about 1 1/2 hours after opening and served it in a Spiegelau Definition Bordeaux glass. It has an opaque ruby colour and garnet rim.
On the nose the wine presents itself with dark fruity aromas at first, think of luxardo cherry, sloe and plum. Soon after, more savoury notes take control, hallmark notes of Eisenberg Blaufränkisch like blood and iodine come through immediately. The wine then also presents notes of crushed stones, undergrowth and black pepper. Furthermore, a well integrated hint of barnyard funk, citrus and earth envelope the wine.
The palate shows intense fruit of sloe and dark cherry at first, minerality and earthy notes come through as well. A very fresh acidity and structured, but not overpowering tannins add structure. A long finish brings the wine to an end, showing notes of luxardo cherry, meat juices, leather and herbal tones.
Another Eisenberg-banger after the Weninger Saybritz for me! It shows a perfect interplay of fruity, savoury and lightly spicy notes at this point of development. It also has still a lot of life still in it, so extended aging would also be an option. If you enjoy Blaufränkisch of this style, definitely give it a try!
by an_empty_sad_bottle
5 Comments
I agree: not enough Blaufrankisch here. Great value for money. Interesting but also approachable. And when aged developed this lovely funkiness.
I am a huge fan of German and Austrian reds but hard to find around my parts and when you do it is always the same producers.
When I tried their entry level Bela-Joska, the barnyard notes overwhelmed me a little. But having now acquired a bit of taste for it, I’ll definitely give this one a try
Counterpoint: not enough Blaufrankisch around anywhere lol. One of my all time faves and certainly in my top few “lesser known” grapes.
None have yet to beat Wetzer Kekfrankos for me. but it’s a spicier/savory style that many others may not be going for.