2020 Eisenstadt Blaufränkisch, Tinhof

These 20-40 year-old Blaufränkisch vines grow on a limestone-rich, south east facing slope in the town of Eisenstadt. Erwin Tinhof told us: “for people more familiar with Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch has some similarities. But it is a little more rustic, and has a unique, mineral quality.” Matured for 16 months in large, old, wood barrels, colour is pale ruby-purple, with attractive, perfumed, red cherry and delicately herbal aromas. Medium bodied, this is a precisely structured, pure red wine having juiciness and elegance in equal measure. The finish is silky and long.

“With a blueberry, blackcurrant and cinnamon-spiked nose and a velvety, juice-packed palate, this is a wildly indulgent wine with a unique flavour. With little tannin, just cleansing acidity on the finish, you can drink it by the flagon because it slips down a treat, offering a wonderful break from your regular wine diet.”
Matthew Jukes, Wednesday Wines – Episode 238, www.matthewjukes.com, 13th November 2024.