Blaufränkisch

In the 1990s, when land in the area of Südburgenland in Austria, south of Vienna, literally on the border with Hungary, was less desirable and, as such, affordable, Uwe Schiefer started to put together his wine estate. While others were put off by the steep, schistous hillsides of Eisenberg he saw potential. Today, Schiefer’s wines have a cult following amongst many of the world’s top sommeliers – a fact that is no coincidence. This example offers a superb introduction to his wines.

This underrated Austrian grape variety, Blaufränkisch, may be a mouthful to pronounce, but it offers an even bigger mouthful of fruit in reward. This is a true “food wine” that offers juicy fruit and freshness in abundance. Rich black cherry, violet floral notes and a hint of bitter chocolate leave the mouth watering and desperate for another sip.