HEINRICH Red (Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, St Laurent blend) 2008 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 This wine is from the Wagram area of Burgenland, where the hot, dry climate and sandy, clay soils on south-facing vineyards favour the production of ripe, opulent reds. A fresh, northeasterly wind ensures the relatively high rainfall in the area does not cause the grapes to rot. The vineyards are are situated at 140m above sea level. Blaufrankisch thrives on deep, fertile clay and loess soils and is therefore planted on the heavier soils further down the slope, leaving the higher slopes to Pinot Noir. The vines for this wine are aged between 10-25 years located at different optimum sites of the Heidelboden between the Parndorfer Platte and Lake Neusiedl (the Neusiedlersee). Vinification The grapes were hand harvested from the end of September to the beginning of October. All movement of juice and wine was carried out using gravity. Maceration lasted 2-3 weeks and fermentation followed in temperature controlled stainless steel vats at 28-32°C with daily pump overs. Malolactic fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats. The wine aged in a mix of large oak vats and 2nd and 3rd use barriques. The wine was bottled at the end of November 2009. Tasting Notes Good depth of colour and perfumes of fresh blackberries are complemented by a liquorice note on the nose. Elegant with attractive tannins and a juicy fruit character on the palate, it has a lively acidity tempered by the oak ageing which adds a touch of smoke and spice. Red cherry and berry flavours linger on the long finish. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £158.11 (Including VAT at 20%)