wine: red

Producer

Gernot Heinrich has 60 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

Heinrich’s top red wines are produced from grapes grown in the Gabarinza vineyard, on the slopes of the Parndorfer Platte. Soils here are limey gravel and loam. The continental climate, with the hot summers and cold winters of the Hungarian steppes, and the light loamy soils near the lake provide good conditions for grape growing. A fresh, northeasterly prevailing wind ensures the relatively high rainfall in the area does not cause the grapes to rot. The vineyards are 140m above sea level, with Pinot Noir, St Laurent and Syrah on the higher slopes and Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt on the heavier soils lower down. The vines here are 10-25 years old.

Vinification

The grapes were hand picked between the end of September and beginning of October, with selection both in the vineyard and at the cellars. Fermentation took place in oak between 28-32°C, with manual and gentle pneumatic pumping over of the cap. Maceration lasted 4-5 weeks and was followed by malolactic fermentation in oak barriques, of which 70% was new wood. The wine remained in oak for 20 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in colour with tints of violet. The nose reveals fine nougat and dark berry fruit underscored by soft spices and subtle hints of oak. The palate is juicy with opulent, ripe berry fruit, a pleasant chocolatey texture, perfectly integrated tannins and touches of dried fruit and bitter chocolate. It has a long, lingering finish.

Vintage	2007
Grape varieties	50% Zweigelt 25% Merlot 25% Blaufränkisch Blaufränkisch
Region	Neusiedlersee, Gols, Burgenland
Winemaker	Gernot Heinrich
Closure	Cork
Alcohol (ABV)	13%

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Case of 6

£269.94

case of 6