The Wine
This wine comes from an Austrian region officially named “Deutschkreutz, Mittelburgenland”, but is UNofficially named “Blaufrnkischland”. And if you haven’t tasted wines from this grape in the last ten years or so, you’re in for a very pleasant awakening! These wines are, , vintage after vintage, turning more and more heads on the world stage. Food-friendly and age-worthy for the mid-term, they represent great value.
Look for a wine that is darkfruited and spicy, with a silky mouthfeel. The nose opens with dark cherry, blackberry and herbal notes, accented by a touch of nougat-like vanilla and subtle spice from its time in large oak and used barrique. Theres also a flicker of black pepper and violets, a signature aromatic profile for the grape.
On the palate you’ll find the wine to bejuicy and fresh with a touch of creaminessthat balances Blaufrnkischs natural acidity. Flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry, and sweet chocolate are supported by a clean minerality and a rounded softness. The finish is long, fruitdriven, and exceptionally “Trinkfluss – an Austrian term for a wine that is easy to drink, it refers not to a wine of simplicity but one expressing flow, rhythm and a natural ease.
Pairings: Grilled or roasted beef, pork with paprika, mild cheeses, or anything with smoky spice.
The Winery
K&K Kirnbauer is one of the shining stars of Deutschkreutz. Their 7301 bottling takes its name directly from the villages postal code, anchoring it firmly in place.
The Kirnbauer family farms 45 hectares of vineyards and is known for gentle grape handling (think hand-harvesting, not white glove caressing), their meticulous berry selection (multiple waves through the vineyard taking only the most perfectly ripe clusters each time), and careful fermentation management. The result is a wine like this, withvelvety texture and silky creaminess. Markus Kirnbauer leads the estate today, crafting both varietal wines and the estates iconic cuve Das Phantom, one of Austrias first modern branded blends.
