Out of the dark Blaufränkisch 2022

Wine description for Out of the dark, Blaufränkisch 2022 from Heinrich

Im Herzen des Burgenlands, wo die pannonische Tiefebene auf die sanften Hügel des Neusiedlersees trifft, kultiviert das Weingut Heinrich einen Blaufränkisch, der die unverfälschte Seele dieser österreichischen Landschaft verkörpert. “Out of the dark” ist mehr als ein Name – er ist ein Statement für einen Wein, der aus den Tiefen kalkhaltiger und schieferreicher Böden ans Licht strebt, unbeschönigt und authentisch.

Gisela and Manfred Heinrich are among those winegrowers who work with respectful restraint and let nature take the lead. Their biodynamic approach and uncompromising dedication to the terroir are reflected in every drop of this remarkable Blaufränkisch.

Visual impression

The glass reveals a cloudy, lively purple colour - the natural result of the lack of filtration. The lightening towards the rim testifies to youthfulness and freshness. This wine makes no secret of its artisanal origins; its visual ambiguity is not a flaw, but rather a sign of its authenticity.

Nose

The aromas unfold with an almost electric intensity. We do not encounter ready-made flavours here, but the unadorned expressiveness of Blaufränkisch. Small red berries, wild and untamed, interweave with the tart charm of freshly picked sour cherries. Behind this, the sweetness of sun-warmed strawberries is revealed - not lush or jammy, but precise and focussed.

What really characterises this wine, however, is its stony minerality, which echoes the limestone and slate soils of Burgenland. Fine notes of thyme and a subtle hint of marzipan add an extra dimension to the bouquet, reminiscent of autumnal walks through the vineyards by Lake Neusiedl.

Palate

The true mastery of the Heinrichs is evident on the palate. Fermentation in large wooden barrels and amphorae has produced a wine that glides over the tongue with remarkable lightness and precision. The almost invisible tannin - a rarity for Blaufränkisch - gives way to the invigorating acid structure and clear fruit.

It is a wine of contrasts: powerful, yet without heaviness; fruity, without ever becoming cloying; mineral, without austerity. The decision not to add sulphur gives it an immediate accessibility and transparency that enables a direct dialogue between terroir and drinker.

This Blaufränkisch is not an intellectual wine that demands endless contemplation, but a natural event that invites enjoyment. Served slightly chilled, from generous glasses, it unfolds its full potential - proof that great wines do not always have to be complicated.

General information

Winemaker: Heinrich
Region: Burgenland/Lake Neusiedl, Austria
Vintage: 2022
Grape variety: Blaufränkisch (known as Lemberger in Germany)
Alcohol content: 13.0% Vol.
Residual sweetness: Very low
Special features: Hand-picked, spontaneously fermented in large wooden barrels and amphorae, unfiltered and bottled without added sulphur. The vines grow on limestone and slate soils.

Food pairing suggestions

The vibrant acidity and unobtrusive fruit of this Blaufränkisch make it a versatile companion for a wide variety of dishes:

Crispy potato cannoli with chive cream - The earthy sweetness of the potatoes and the fresh herbal notes harmonise perfectly with the mineral structure of the wine.

Chilli con carne in a loaf of bread - The spicy depth of the dish finds an equal partner in the lively fruit of the Blaufränkisch, while the refreshing acidity softens the sharpness.

Ham pâté with red grape jelly - The savoury intensity of the pâté and the sweet fruitiness of the jelly reflect the wine's own duality between minerality and berry fruit.

In its immediacy and authenticity, this wine is a reminder of why Burgenland is increasingly recognised as the home of some of Europe's most exciting red wines. It is not a wine that aims to please, but one that simply is what it is - a faithful expression of soil, grape variety and the careful hand of its producers.