Blaufränkisch (Neusiedlersee, Austria)

ON THE WAY

Driver: GRAPE | Process | Place | Crafted

This is Blaufränkisch in a clear, approachable form.

Grown near Apetlon on the eastern side of Lake Neusiedl, it was spontaneously fermented in stainless steel, remained on its skins for two weeks and then spent 12 months in large Austrian oak barrels.

At 12% alcohol, with fresh acidity, fine tannins and virtually no residual sugar, it has the structure of a serious red without unnecessary weight.

This is why we place it under By Grape. Blaufränkisch has a character worth learning—and this bottle allows the grape to introduce itself.

Why We Selected It

Wine Stop selected this wine because it presents Blaufränkisch without exaggeration.

The wine has enough structure to show what distinguishes the grape, but it was not pushed toward excessive extraction, alcohol or oak.

Spontaneous fermentation allows the wine to develop naturally. Two weeks on the skins provide color and tannin, while 12 months in large 1,000- and 2,000-liter Austrian oak barrels give it time to settle and develop without making new-oak flavor the point of the wine.

It is also certified organic, vegan and fermented virtually dry.

Why Try It?

Because Blaufränkisch is one of Austria’s most important red grapes—and one of the most useful grapes for understanding Central European red wine.

It produces wines with fresh acidity, defined tannins and enough structure to work at the table without depending on high alcohol or excessive ripeness.

If Zweigelt is an easy entrance into Austrian red wine, Blaufränkisch is the next step. It asks for a little more attention and rewards it with greater structure and definition.

Taste it as a grape first. Learn its shape. Then see how you recognize it the next time it appears in your glass.

Why Buy It?

Because this is an adaptable red with enough structure for dinner and enough freshness to remain comfortable throughout the evening.

• 100% Blaufränkisch
• Certified organic
• Vegan
• Spontaneously fermented
• Two weeks on the skins
• Aged 12 months in large Austrian oak barrels
• 12% alcohol
• Only 0.1 g/L residual sugar
• Grown near Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland

Serve it slightly cool with sausages, pork, duck, mushrooms, lentils or the traditional dishes of eastern Austria.

Wine Term: ‘Heurigen’

A Heuriger is a traditional Austrian wine tavern where growers serve their own young wine, often accompanied by simple regional food.

The word comes from heuer, meaning “this year.” It can refer both to the tavern and to the current year’s wine. Heurigen is the plural or inflected form commonly encountered in German-language references.

The tradition dates back to a 1784 decree issued by Emperor Joseph II, which allowed winegrowers to sell wine and food directly from their properties.

A branch or evergreen wreath displayed outside traditionally indicates that the Heuriger is open—a custom known as ausg’steckt.

The food is not an afterthought. Cold meats, spreads, cheeses, breads, pickled vegetables and small savory pastries are part of the experience. The Heuriger places wine where it belongs: at a shared table, surrounded by food and conversation.

A Short Note on Burgenland Food

Burgenland’s cooking reflects its position along Austria’s eastern border and its long connection with the broader Pannonian region.

The food is direct, savory and especially comfortable beside local wine.

Grammelpogatscherl are one of its most irresistible small bites: savory, bite-sized pastries folded with crisp fried pork cracklings known as Grammeln. They are frequently served warm and are especially well suited to a fresh, structured red such as Blaufränkisch.

Other Burgenland specialties include:

• Bohnensterz — a rustic mixture of beans and toasted flour, traditionally served as a substantial everyday dish
• Krautfleckerl — small pasta squares with slowly cooked cabbage
• Martinigansl — roast goose traditionally served around St. Martin’s Day
• Fogosch or Zander — pike-perch from Lake Neusiedl
• Pannonian fish soup — a paprika-seasoned soup reflecting the region’s Hungarian influence
• Blunzn — Austrian blood sausage, often served fried or with potatoes
• Liptauer — a seasoned cheese spread served with bread

This is food built around local ingredients, preservation, practicality and appetite. It also explains the shape of Burgenland wine: enough acidity for rich food, enough tannin for meat and enough freshness for the next bite.

Cellar, Serving & Pairing

Drink now or cellar for another 3–5 years.

Serve slightly cool. The lower temperature emphasizes the wine’s freshness and definition while keeping its tannins composed.

A short decant will help the wine open, particularly when served young.

Pair with:

• Grammelpogatscherl
• Roast goose or duck
• Pork schnitzel
• Grilled or roasted pork
• Sausages
• Blood sausage
• Beef goulash
• Lentils
• Mushroom dishes
• Krautfleckerl
• Roasted root vegetables
• Charcuterie
• Firm or smoked cheeses

Wine Details

Type of Wine: Red Wine
Brand: Open & Enjoy
Vintage: 2022
Region: Burgenland
Country: Austria
Grape: 100% Blaufränkisch
Alcohol: 12%
Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.1 g/L (0.075 g/bottle)
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel; two weeks on the skins
Oak: 12 months in 1,000- and 2,000-liter Austrian oak barrels
Farming: Certified Organic
Vegan: Yes
Style: Fresh, structured red
Body: Medium

Recommended serving temperature: 58–62°F / 14–17°C

Best In: Broad-Bowl Glass | Every wine is shown in the glass we recommend for it. Hover over the image on desktop or tap the image on mobile to view the glass.

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Taste First. Read Later.

Wine is meant to be discovered—not predicted.

We provide the information that helps you understand this wine: where it comes from, which grape was used, how it was made, its structure and why we selected it for Wine Stop.

What we do not publish before purchase is a list of suggested flavors.

Descriptions involving fruits, flowers, herbs or spices can influence what you expect to experience. They can even cause someone to reject a wine before tasting it.

We want your first experience with this wine to belong to you.

Taste it. Pay attention to its structure, texture and movement. Notice what it reminds you of. Form your own impressions before reading ours.

Wine Stop’s tasting notes are available on the wine’s product page, accessible through the QR code on the back label, so you can compare our impressions with your own.

There is no single correct answer. The purpose is not to identify the “right” fruit or spice, but to sharpen your senses, expand your palate and discover what the wine expresses to you.

We Guarantee the Quality. You Discover the Wine.

Every wine we sell has been selected for quality, authenticity and value, and we stand behind every bottle. If a wine is flawed or faulty, we will make it right. If it is sound but not to your taste, that is not a verdict on your palate—and it does not make the wine bad. It simply means that this particular wine is not for you, perhaps not tonight.

Wine Stop Tasting Note
Already tasted it? Now compare notes.
(Alvaro's detailed tasting notes will be added after this wine arrives at our warehouse and has rested for a few days.)