Heinrich, `Red` Burgenland Zweigelt/Blaufränkisch/St. Laurent 2013 Neusiedlersee, Burgenland, Austria
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Heinrich, `Red` Burgenland Zweigelt/Blaufränkisch/St. Laurent 2013 Neusiedlersee, Burgenland, Austria PRODUCER Gernot Heinrich has 100 hectares of vines in Gols, Burgenland, which is Austria's easternmost province, lying only a few kilometres from the Hungarian border. After graduating in viticulture from Klosterneuberg, Gernot's vinous travels in Bordeaux, Spain, California and Italy convinced him that his best approach in this continental climate was to use indigenous grapes such as Blaufränkisch, St Laurent and Zweigelt to make the highest quality, most characteristic wines he could. VINEYARDS The fruit for this wine is sourced from both sides of Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland. On the west side of the lake, the vines are found on the limestone and slate slopes of the Leithagebirge. On the east side of the lake, grapes come from the gravelly Parndorf Plateau and the humus-rich Heideboden. St Laurent is grown on the higher slopes and Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt on the heavier soils lower down. The oldest vines are 30 years old. Gernot has been farming his vineyards according to biodynamic principles since 2006 and achieved certification in 2009. VINTAGE Burgenland had beautiful weather throughout 2013, with heat waves and periods of rainfall. The grapes took their time to ripen and those winemakers who were brave enough to wait patiently were rewarded with beautifully ripe ones. Blaufränkisch was the only grape variety in Burgenland to be affected by coulure. After the two highly ripe vintages of 2011 and 2012, which delivered monumental red and white wines, the 2013 vintage almost perfectly represents the "Austrian ideal" of freshness, raciness and animated drinkability. VINIFICATION The grapes were hand harvested and sorted in the vineyard at the Grape Varieties 60% Zweigelt beginning of September. All movement of the juice was carried 30% Blaufränkisch out by gravity. Extended maceration on the skins took place and 10% St Laurent was followed by fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel vats and wooden vats at 28-34°C. The wine aged in a mix of Winemaker Gernot Heinrich large oak vats and second and third use barriques. Closure Screwcap ABV 12.5% TASTING NOTES Residual Sugar 1g/L Brilliant ruby red in colour. The bouquet offers vibrant cherry and red fruit notes with just a hint of spice coming through. The Acidity 5.2g/L structure of the wine supports the fruit-driven style and soft supple Bottle Sizes 75cl tannins make it approachable and ideal for early drinking. Notes Sustainable, Vegetarian, Vegan.