2011 J. Heinrich, Blaufrankisch “Deutschkreutz” Burgenland, Austrian Red.
This seductive red is made with Austria’s premier red grape, Blaufrankisch and come from Burgenland which is located in the middle of Austria and is more known for red wine than the area on the Danube where you find Gruner Veltliner and Riesling. Heinrich’s 2011 Blaufrankisch is a dark almost pulp hued red that reminds me of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc and Piedmont Barbera if the two were ever blended, and I love the vivid dark fruit and juicy acidity that this wine delivers. This wine is a steal too, with most quality Blaufrankisch costing much, much more, and I am looking for to enjoying a few more bottles of this gem. The nose is floral and spicy with blueberries and violets along with hints of pepper and sweet herbs before a bight palate of black plum, cherry and currant fruit with a spicy kick and soft mineral tones. While not intense of terribly complex it offers up lots of pleasure and is a fun wine to enjoy with many dishes or hard cheeses.
($18 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
