Wines Unspecified Gebrüder Nittnaus - Altenberg Blaufränkisch Reserve - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The Gebrüder Nittnaus Cuvée Altenberg Blaufränkisch Reserve 2021 hails from Austria's celebrated Burgenland region, renowned for its excellence in red wine production. This particular cuvée is crafted predominantly from Blaufränkisch, a grape variety highly prized for its expressive fruit character and elegant structure. The 2021 vintage benefits from a relatively cool yet balanced growing season, resulting in wines that display both freshness and depth. Vinification for a reserve-level wine such as this typically involves extended maceration for depth of colour and flavour, followed by maturation in oak barrels to impart complexity and finesse.

Burgenland itself lies to the east of Austria, towards the Hungarian border. The region enjoys a Pannonian climate, characterised by warm, sunny days and cool nights, which is ideal for achieving optimal ripeness while preserving acidity. The soils around Altenberg are a mosaic of clay, loam, and limestone, contributing to the structured tannins and mineral nuance often found in the wines. Historically, Burgenland has transitioned over time from white to predominantly red wine production, with Blaufränkisch establishing itself as the region’s flagship variety due to its ability to reflect the nuances of terroir.

This Blaufränkisch Reserve is an excellent partner to richly flavoured dishes. Its vibrant acidity, fine tannins, and dark berry profile make it a natural companion to roasted game or duck breast served with dark cherry or plum sauces. If you wish to stay local, consider pairing it with a classic Austrian dish such as Tafelspitz or a hearty wild boar ragout. The wine’s subtle spiciness and slight smokiness also harmonise beautifully with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, and matured hard cheeses.

For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to serving will allow its aromas of blackberry, violet, and pepper to fully unfold, and will help integrate its youthful structure into a more seamless palate. This reserve wine shows fine ageing potential, yet is already approachable in its youth with proper aeration.