Saina Nieminen
Saina Nieminen
Langmann Blauer Wildbacher Reserve 2003 Weststeiermark, Austria
12,5% abv; c.10; label; like the ros, also from the Hochgrail-vineyard, though it doesn't say so on the label. Apparently aged for 30 months in Barriques, but I am surprised about that. The scent isn't primarily oaky, but has an enchanting mix of red and dark forest berries - its pure berry aromas are quite surprising (and captivating) to this first time imbiber of the grape. It is very volatile at first, but calms down after a couple hours open. Air also brings to the scent a lovely touch of earth and vegetation. The palate isn't as wild as I was led to believe from some descriptions of this grape, though it does have pretty strong but palate-cleansing tannins (it reminds me of the 2001 Barolos at the moment) and strong acidity despite the heat-wave year (the juicy acidity that the berry aromas promised were fully realised). I don't know how red Blauer Wildbachers age, but I won't be surprised from this bottle if the answer is very well. I loved this wine.
Langmann Blauer Wildbacher Schilcher Hochgrail 2007 Weststeiermark, Austria
12,5% abv; 8,9g/l acidity; 3,6g/l RS; 10; label. Deep pink. It smells of minerals, earth and sweet strawberries but it also has a tart berry scent that promises real bite and zip on the palate. And it is, indeed, deliciously acidic, but fruity, too, so it isn't as extreme as I had read this grape should be. Lovely minerality. Lovely wine.
This grape was a fun acquaintance. I hope to see more.
12,5% abv; c.10; label; like the ros, also from the Hochgrail-vineyard, though it doesn't say so on the label. Apparently aged for 30 months in Barriques, but I am surprised about that. The scent isn't primarily oaky, but has an enchanting mix of red and dark forest berries - its pure berry aromas are quite surprising (and captivating) to this first time imbiber of the grape. It is very volatile at first, but calms down after a couple hours open. Air also brings to the scent a lovely touch of earth and vegetation. The palate isn't as wild as I was led to believe from some descriptions of this grape, though it does have pretty strong but palate-cleansing tannins (it reminds me of the 2001 Barolos at the moment) and strong acidity despite the heat-wave year (the juicy acidity that the berry aromas promised were fully realised). I don't know how red Blauer Wildbachers age, but I won't be surprised from this bottle if the answer is very well. I loved this wine.
Langmann Blauer Wildbacher Schilcher Hochgrail 2007 Weststeiermark, Austria
12,5% abv; 8,9g/l acidity; 3,6g/l RS; 10; label. Deep pink. It smells of minerals, earth and sweet strawberries but it also has a tart berry scent that promises real bite and zip on the palate. And it is, indeed, deliciously acidic, but fruity, too, so it isn't as extreme as I had read this grape should be. Lovely minerality. Lovely wine.
This grape was a fun acquaintance. I hope to see more.