
Reviews
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
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!