Ausria’s Burgenland
BORDER TO HUNGARY.
Weingut Weninger (above) / Weingut Kracher (below)
map credit: Wine Folly
Burgenland (home to the oldest vines in Austria) is about 2 hours south of Vienna on Austria's southeastern border with Hungary, stretching from Kitsee (in the north, right across the border from Bratislava) down to the southern tip (which touches the border with Slovenia). Fuller-bodied reds – Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, Zweigelt – thrive in this area due to its continental climate = very hot in the summer, very cold in winter.
map credit: Decanter Magazine
I got inspired to make this post as we just had an old favorite — Evolucio Blaufränkisch — come back in stock. It’s a second label from a famous, highly-regarded producer (top secret) in that region. We carried it in 2022 (until the importer rant out), putting it in our Portalis EXPLORES Wine Club, and it sold like hot cakes. With the return of the Blaufränksch, the importer picked up a white and a bubbly from the same producer but made from grapes he sources from Tokaj. Tokaj, the most famous and prestigious wine region in Hungary (especially for dessert wine), is located about 5 hours due east of Burgenland, with Budapest located right in the middle of the drive.
map credit: Wine Folly
Photo credits: Weingut Weninger except when noted
Here’s some info on these amazing wines, including a Grüner Veltliner that we carry from Burgenland as well the Blaufräkisch and the 2 Hungarian wines:
Kracher 2022 Grüner Veltliner • Burgenland, Austria • Reg $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
100% Grüner Veltliner, the classic white from Austria. “Yellow apple, quince, and kefir lime on the nose. Rich on the palate, fresh from the focused acid, quite a long finish.” —winemakers’ notes.
Evolúció 2020 Blaufränkisch • Burgenland, Austria • Reg $18.99 | Mixed Case $15.19
100% Blaufränkisch (mama grape to Zweigelt & Gamay). Dark plums, dark cherries, peppery spice, herbs on the nose. Palate is plummy with blackberries, black cherries and an earthy, spicy, black peppery finish. Medium-bodied. Great wine.
Evolúció Frizzante • Tokaj, Hungary • Reg $23.99 | Mixed Case $19.19
Blend of Furment 60% & Hárslevelű 40%. Nose is pleasant with white flowers (elderflower), note of stone fruit. Then (drum roll) an amazing palate. Lots of apple, pear, yellow plums, with an herbal & floral component. More carbonated than expected for a frizzante, in a good way! Super interesting, drinkable bubbly.
Affinitás 2022 Furmint • Tokaj, Hungary • Reg $25.99 | Mixed Case $20.79
100% Furmint. Elderflower, dried peach on the nose. Citrus, white plum, lime on the palate. Super long finish. Good viscosity. Acidic tarty bite on the finish. Was perfect with mushroom ragu pasta. Dreaming of scallops!!
All 4 wines are amazing. It's fun to try these different grapes from such talented winemakers. I'm guessing supplies are limited with the two Hungarian wines, so if you're interested.... hustle!
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, co-owner, Portalis Wines