This is such an exciting time of the year! All the white grapes – including the Gruner Veltliner – have been harvested, and are quietly fermenting away. Even at this early stage, each new wine is slowly starting to reveal its beautiful secrets and complexities and one can only marvel at the magical transformation that is taking place under the bubbling activity of the fermenting yeasts.
‘GRU’ Gruner Veltliner 2012 is already looking amazing with each of the various fermentations showing different qualities that will add excitement and complexity to the final blend. I just wish I could leap ahead in time and catch a glimpse of what the final GRU ’12 will be like – but patience is the keyword right now and so, for this blog entry, I will divert my attention to that other great Austrian grape variety, Blaufrankisch.
Blaufrankisch vineyard at Hahndorf Hill
The Blaufrankisch vines at Hahndorf Hill were planted 20 years ago and are now producing extremely rewarding wines that compare very favourably to their parent Blaufrankisch vines that are rooted in their native Austria. Hahndorf Hill is the first and currently the only producer of this variety in Australia, although this is due to change in the next few years with significant interest being focussed on this variety in cool-climate wine regions across Australia.
Hahndorf Hill 'Blueblood' Blaufrankisch 2010
It was extremely gratifying to note that James Halliday selected Blaufrankisch as his favourite new variety in his March 7th 2012, Wine Companion newsletter. He awarded a stunning 95 points to the Hahndorf Hill ‘Blueblood’ Blaufrankisch 2010 together with the following comment:
“The clear colour and highly fragrant bouquet of this highly regarded and widely planted Austrian grape introduces a totally delicious, supple, medium-bodied palate with a Joseph’s coat array of flavours ranging from cedar and tobacco through to a silky red cherry finish.â€
Accolades for previous vintages of HHW ‘Blueblood’ Blaufrankisch include:
Trophy / Top of Class / Gold Medal – Australian Boutique Wine Awards 2011
Gold Medal – AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, Austria 2011
Top 100 Wines, The Advertiser, 2011
Hot 100 Wines, The Adelaide Review, 2011
Trophy / Top of Class / Gold Medal – Australian Boutique Wine Awards 2010
Gold Medal – International Cool Climate Wine Show 2010
The HHW ‘Blueblood’ Blaufrankisch 2010 is due to be released in early April and allocations will be available from the cellar door on a first come, first served basis. For more information about our vibrant wines, please go to http://bit.ly/n9iPAL