Blaufränkisch Burgenland 2021

Approx. 70 % of the grapes of the Blaufränkisch come from Lutzmannsburg, with the remainder coming from the northern Burgenland municipalities of Zagersdorf, Sankt Georgen and Grosshöflein. The majority of the grapes are grown on calcareous sediments - from sandy to extremely clayey consistencies to shell limestone and chalky soils - from the Pannonian Sea. 15 % of Blaufränkisch were fermented with the stems as whole bunches. Mash fermentation took place spontaneously, lasted 18 to 22 days and was carried out in stainless steel and in open vats. Ageing took place in 500 to 4500 litre barrels for 15 months. There was no fining, no filtration and only small amounts of sulphites.

Intense purple to violet with slight transparency

Roland Velichs Blaufränkisch 2021 once again manages to square the circle. On the one hand, it represents the entry-level quality of this grape variety in the winery and should therefore be attractive right from the start, because many people will certainly not store this wine for too long, but on the other hand it is a wine with high standards that will develop over many years. Ideally, this wine should be served in a Burgundy glass. The freshness, finesse and juiciness then become just as quickly apparent as the slightly tart aroma of peel, which is mixed with notes of sweet and sour cherries, violet flowers, herbs and a hint of pepper.

The palate also quickly reveals the attractiveness of this young wine, as well as its potential. It initially appears silky and charming, clear and dancing with an impressively fresh acidity and a tannin that only gains presence and firmness with time. It is a taut, pure Blaufränkisch that is very juicy with its notes of crisp wild berries, sour cherries, barberries and blood oranges and offers great drinking pleasure, especially as the acidity structure is almost reminiscent of a white wine. At the same time, it is multi-layered and offers excellent length. Once again this year, it is an incredible wine for this price.