Blaufränkisch Leithaberg DAC 2016

The wine is dark ruby red with garnet rim and opaque core, clear and shiny in the glass.

In purple and hearty manner, the cherry is declined in its diversity. The wine refuses a one-sided fruitiness with a wink. Instead, it unfolds through the earthy depth of peaty autumn leaves and fresh truffles, as well as the peppery spice of roasted root vegetables and roast spices.

Makes you want to shove a leg of lamb right down the pipe....

Which only does the wine justice, as it needs time and air to reveal itself.

In this case, the Blaufränkisch is the only true vehicle to bring its origin, the fossil-rich Leithagebirge, to light and make it effective.

On the palate, the 2016 Blaufränkisch Leithaberg from Heike and Gernot Heinrich is a benevolent clenched fist.

The barren, stony length of its chalky soils and the still unbridled power of its fine-grained tannins give it irrepressible assertiveness. This is neither obtrusive nor superficial, but radiates vitality and razor-sharp precision. It symbolizes contentment, as well as a long life, and therefore comes with the respect-inspiring sex appeal of a Lara Croft in a corset.