The fossil-rich limestone and mica schist that define the Leithaberg DAC lend a distinctive salty taste to the The wine’s minerality underscores aromas of black and red cherries, and layers of earthy flavors like peat, black truffle, dried flowers, and black peppercorns. Moderate tannins and alcohol and bright acidity make this an attractive wine for the table.

Blaufränkisch features a moderate level of weight, bright acidity, and is firmly structured making it an excellent wine for the table. Blaufränkisch produced in a balanced style without excessive ripeness or oak can be paired with food like Pinot Noir and is excellent with game birds, duck, and veal. It is the classic wine to pair with a Hungarian goulash of braised meat and vegetables served with egg noodles or potatoes.

Critical Acclaim

93pts James Suckling

The interplay of elderberry and bramble character with wild herb aromas and wet stone freshness makes this an exciting blaufrankisch red that tastes younger than 2018 and lighter than 13% alcohol. The fine tannins give the long, straight finish excellent structure

Gernot and Heike Heinrich founded their winery in 1990 with just one hectare and have steadily grown to 90 hectares today. Heinrich was one of the first in the region to transition from simple white wines to high-quality reds in the early 1990s, and became famous for powerful red blends such as Salzberg, Gabarinza, and Pannobile. In recent years, the focus has turned to Blaufränkisch from the nearby Leithaberg DAC, and to “Freyheit,” a line of wines produced with minimal intervention in the cellar. Heinrich converted to biodynamics in 2006 and is a member of Respekt, a certifying body for biodynamic viticulture in Austria. Heinrich today is today one of Austria’s most innovative wine producers.