Wines Unspecified Gebrüder Nittnaus - Dry Aged Red Appassimento - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Gebrüder Nittnaus' 2020 Cuvée Dry Aged Red Appassimento is an intriguing Austrian red, crafted in the Burgenland region, renowned for its commitment to innovative winemaking. This wine is a blend, yet the precise grape varieties used remain undisclosed, though Burgenland typically works with Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and sometimes international red grapes. Its “appassimento” designation signals that the grapes have been partially dried prior to fermentation, concentrating sugars and flavours and echoing techniques familiar from Italy. This process, combined with dry ageing, yields a wine intense in both aroma and texture, likely offering ripe dark fruit, dried cherry, plum, and perhaps hints of cocoa or spicy undertones. The 2020 vintage enjoyed a warm growing season in Austria, contributing to ripe tannins and good overall structure.

Burgenland, lying in Austria's eastern reaches along the Hungarian border, is one of the country’s premier red wine territories. The region benefits from the warm, Pannonian climate, with generous sunshine and the moderating influence of Lake Neusiedl. The varied soils, from gravelly loam to limestone and schist, allow for expressive viticulture and create conditions particularly suited to powerful reds. With a winemaking heritage stretching back centuries, Burgenland in recent decades has become increasingly known for experimentation with both blends and innovative vinification techniques such as the one employed here.

This robust wine, with its concentrated flavours and notable structure, calls for hearty cuisine. Traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or braised venison with cranberry sauce would highlight its depth. It would also work beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled red meats, or a rich mushroom ragout. For a touch of regional flair, try it alongside wild boar sausages or aged hard cheeses from the alpine pastures.

To best appreciate its nuances, serve this Appassimento-style red at 16-18°C in a large glass, ideally after decanting for an hour to allow the bouquet and palate to fully open. The wine is enjoyable now, but could well develop further complexity with a few more years in the cellar if you have the patience.