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Anita & Hans Nittnaus Blaufrankisch Ried Altenberg Jois Leithaberg 2020  - First Bottle

Reviews

94 Wine Enthusiast -
Cellar Selection - Graceful and silky, this featuring notes of tar and loam that frame the attractive black cherry, blackberry and raspberry. There's a serious base of tannins, which meets acidity as this cruises to a lingering aftertaste filled with minerals. It's just beginning to show some development, with fine potential ahead. Best after 2026.
93 James Suckling -
Perfumed aromas of dried roses, red berry fruit and licorice pull you in. Darker mocha notes, too. Medium-bodied yet deep, with dark minerals and spices accompanying the fresh berry fruit. Fine and tight tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.

Technical Details

  • CountryAustria
  • RegionBurgenland
  • Sub-RegionNeusiedlersee
  • AppellationLiethaberg
  • VineyardAltenberg
  • Farming MethodRespekt and Demeter Certified Biodynamic with Organic Practices
  • OakUsed 500 liter Stockingers
  • Aging/Cooperage18 Months
  • Alcohol13%

Anita & Hans Nittnaus Blaufrankisch Ried Altenberg Jois Leithaberg 2020

Blaufränkisch  |  Austria
WE94, JS93

SPECIAL: Ground shipping included on 3+ bottles!
Respekt and Demeter Certified Biodynamic with Organic Practices
20% off retail!

Price drops to $29.95 per bottle when you purchase 3 or more bottles!

Wine geek alert! Obscure grapes, lesser-known regions – we love ‘em. But rarely do they come with such praise! 94 pts. and a price that can’t be matched makes this a must-have – for as long as we manage to keep this in stock!

Third-generation vintner Hans and his wife Anita head the Nittnaus winery – which Hans’ grandfather, Johann, founded in 1927. They are based in the town of Gols, in the Burgenland region on the eastern edge of Austria – south of Niederösterreich and north of Steiermark, jutting up against the Hungary border. Hans has led the charge here since 1985 – originally making waves by focusing on cabernet sauvignon and merlot – before shifting gears to native varieties such as this blaufränkisch.

The shift has been nothing short of spectacular – and they quickly became a top winery for the area, helping to uplift the notion of quality for a mostly unknown region responsible for nearly one-third of Austria’s wine production. This single vineyard, south-facing parcel of 30+-year-old blaufränkisch is certainly top quality in its own right – another primo discovery from our friends over at Rosenthal – and we’re thrilled to have it at the best price in the USA!

If you’re not familiar with blaufränkisch – imagine the high-toned floral and blue/red fruits of Northern Rhone syrah, coupled with the bright acidity and minerality of Piemonte nebbiolo, all with the wild herb and savory meatiness of a Rioja. That’s a lot to wrap your head around – but aren’t you curious to see what that whole ensemble comes together like? It’s simply brilliant to our palates – floral and juicy, with tart plums, smoked hay, dried tobacco, and smoldering sage and tar aromas. There’s a rebellious wildness to the palate – with notes of blueberry, blackberry, and red cherry, an iron-tinged saltiness, and savory notes of smoked meats and spiced paprika! Ripe, but not heavy, with the concentration and brightness to develop for a further 7-10+ years… yet pretty darn approachable right now!

The slate and limestone slopes of the vineyard give this plenty of structure, while the southerly aspect ensures you don’t get hammered with green/underripe sensations. Once harvested, the grapes undergo a native yeast fermentation, with a full 18 months aging in used 500-liter Stockinger casks before bottling. No filtering, minimal sulfur – these folks are crushing that “natural winemaking” style...but in a way that captures the delight of top critics, casual explorers, and hardcore purists alike! With Free Shipping and UNDER $30 on each for all 3+ bottle purchases, this is something you can’t afford to miss!

PAIRING IDEAS: Yes, this would be epic with your Thanksgiving turkey...but if you’re like me and can’t wait that long...make yourself an authentic Louisville Hot Brown!

About the Producer

Nittnaus’ cellar practices are designed to highlight the vibrant character of their healthy fruit. They use spontaneous fermentations and age their wines in 500-liter Stockinger casks, which are chosen for their tight-grain, low-toast construction that enhances expressiveness and allows for minimal sulfur additions. Located in Burgenland, Austria’s easternmost wine region, their vineyards benefit from the warmth of the Pannonian plains, which is ideal for ripening Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. The Nittnaus family has been established in Gols, near Lake Neusiedl, since 1684. Today, the winery is led by third-generation Hans Nittnaus and his wife Anita, who took over in 1985 after the damage caused by the diethylene glycol scandal. Initially focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Hans later pivoted to Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt to emphasize their distinctiveness. Recognized as key figures in Burgenland’s wine scene, Hans and Anita are supported by their sons Andreas and Martin, and niece Lydia. The Nittnauses craft white wines that are breezy and balanced, and red wines that are both refreshing and serious, achieving a sophisticated balance without succumbing to over-extraction or superficiality. Their wines embody the essence of their terroir and the expertise of seasoned winemakers.