RED WINE

The Prieler estate, in Schützen on the western side of the Lake Neusiedl, is a historic old farm, once dedicated to many types of agriculture but now specializing in grape growing. Two generations of the Prieler family now run the estate: Engelbert and Irmgard, who in 1972 focused the estate on quality production of several grape varieties, mainly blaufränkisch and Burgundian varieties. Their son, Georg, now heads the estate and continues working to best express the unique terroir of the Leithagebirge.

Freshness and elegance on show here rather than power and structure. Currant and cranberry fruit flecked with dark cherry and raspberry throughout. Some ground coffee and pepper spice intrigue. The palate is silky, fresh and playful with  crystalline acidity, supple tannins and a lingering sour cherry aroma on the aromatic close. Such a great example and really makes you wonder why we don't drink more here.

Expressive nose of red fruit with a lot of earthy depth! Excellent concentration for this humble category, with fine, powdery tannins and lively but ripe acidity. Complex finish with notes of clove, black pepper, cardamon and wild herbs. Salty touch, too. Drink or hold. SUART PIGOTT, James Suckling

The 2021 Blaufränkisch was harvested partly in the Leithagebirge but mostly from Lutzmannsburg in Mittelburgenland. It was fermented spontaneously in open cuve and matured in used barrels between 500 and 4,000 liters for 14 months. With a touch of smoky reduction, a tender note of blood on the nose takes a while to shine through. The wine spreads across the mouth in a smooth, almost cooling, soothing fashion, with a gentleness that holds dark petals like peony, aromatic tart, dark cherry and tart cranberry. The body is light, with just a veil of fine tannins that crinkle like chiffon. The 2021 is tender, red-fruited, bright and lasting. (Bone-dry) ANNE KREBIEHL W, Vinous

Brimming with red-cherry fruit and joyful freshness. Wonderful interplay of extremely fresh fruit, fine tannins and lively acidity on the barely medium-bodied palate. Excellent balance at the delicate and animating, long finish. Amazing for just 11% alcohol! From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. STUART PIGOTT, JamesSuckling.com