Blaufränkisch Edelgraben Leithaberg DAC 2017

Ruby red and dark, it lets itself be seen deep into the Edelgraben. This requires time, air and at least one large glass. With the grating yet pleasant voice of a cavalier baritone, this Blaufränkisch tells of precise dark berry fruit, earthiness and peppery spice; and easily manages to cross two octaves. Aware of its unbridled power, it presents itself on the palate as punchy and grippy, creating space for itself clammily, but at the same time being positively irritating, with sensitive deliberation and small-scale finesse. In a successful tightrope walk between instinct and reason, one lets oneself be taken by the hand in the glass. The density of the 2017 Edelgraben, detached from heaviness, points the way along its stony aftertaste and once again confirms the truth that "power lies in tranquillity".

This Blaufränkisch is grown in old vineyards on the southeast-facing slopes of the Leithagebirge in Breitenbrunn, which slope towards Lake Neusiedl and are characterised by the fossil-rich limestone and calcareous sandstone and mica slate typical of the region.

Brought into the bottle in the eternal cycle of nature and with a lot of manual work and care. The vineyards were cultivated biodynamically according to the guidelines of Respect. Handpicked at the beginning of October, spontaneous fermentation, left on the skins for three weeks in wooden fermentation racks, gently pressed with a basket press, matured for 28 months in used 500 L oak barrels.