Wines Unspecified K K Kirnbauer - Das Phantom - 2022

Viniou Reviews

K+K Kirnbauer’s “Das Phantom” 2022 is a celebrated red blend hailing from Austria’s renowned Burgenland region. This cuvée is often composed of a skilful combination of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, though the specific proportions may vary between vintages. The 2022 vintage presents a wine with a deep, inviting colour and a profile layered with ripe dark berries, subtle spices, and well-integrated tannins. Ageing in carefully selected oak barrels lends structure and nuances of vanilla and toasted notes, without overshadowing the fruit character. The result is a vibrant, modern Austrian red with both depth and finesse, expressing the winemaker’s meticulous attention to blending and maturation.

Burgenland, in eastern Austria, stretches along the Hungarian border and is revered for its red wines, which stand in delightful contrast to the nation’s more widely known white wines. The region enjoys a Pannonian climate: warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for achieving optimal ripeness while preserving freshness in the grapes. The soils here range from loam and clay to sand and gravel, providing well-drained yet nutrient-rich ground. This terroir, combined with an impressive winemaking heritage dating back centuries, enables Burgenland reds like “Das Phantom” to offer both expressiveness and a distinct regional character.

A wine of this calibre and structure is particularly well-suited to food, and traditional Austrian cuisine provides numerous pairing opportunities. Enjoy it with robust dishes such as Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Wiener Schnitzel with wild mushroom sauce, or hearty stews featuring game or beef. The blend’s balance makes it equally at home alongside Mediterranean fare, such as grilled lamb, ratatouille, or mature cheeses.

For an optimal tasting experience, serve “Das Phantom” 2022 at 16-18°C. Decanting for up to an hour will help it open, allowing the aromas and textures to fully express themselves. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth for its vibrancy, or cellared a few years to develop further complexity.