Blaufrankisch 'Guterweg Neckenmarkter' Kolfok 2018

Kolfok's Blaufrankisch "Guterweg Neckenmarkter" represents a remarkable interpretation of the terroir by the young Stefan Wellanschitz, who in this red lets the limpid voice of one of the noblest, typically Austrian red grape varieties express itself. The traditional and popular confusion of Blaufrankisch with the native Burgundian Gamay actually emerges spontaneously in this elegantly toned and classically styled creation. The label recalls a peasant craftsmanship, with the name pointing to the cross-country road in Neckenmarkt, the winery's home village.

Weingut Kolfok's Blaufrankisch "Guterweg Neckenmarkter" comes from the vinification of the red grape variety with the same name: widespread and particularly suited to Austrian viticultural landscapes, it recalls in its name its ancient origins from the lands of the Franks. The grapes come from three different parcels: two are contiguous and located at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level, with very steep slopes and characterized by rocky soils composed of schist and gneiss; the other vineyard extends on a plateau of pure limestone, at an altitude of 350 meters. The rows are left grassed and wild herbs and plants proliferate there, following a cultivation approach dictated by biodynamic principles. Harvesting is done by hand at the moment of perfect ripeness, and 15 percent of the whole bunches are used in the cellar. Spontaneous fermentation is conducted by indigenous yeasts only and takes place in oak barrels for the duration of about 30 days. Subsequent aging takes place in large old Austrian oak barrels for a period of about 18 months. Bottling takes place without any invasive intervention such as filtrations or clarifications.

Blaufrankisch "Guterweg Neckenmarkter" made by Kolfok expresses itself in a beautiful and typical crimson-red guise. The nose is soon attracted by deep aromas that recall underbrush and a fruity part made of small dark berries. An intense floral nuance of peony also emerges and then a more pungent spicy component elevates the complexity of the whole picture. The sip is juicy and with great freshness, showing what ease of drinking even a complex red can have: the balance between the warmer and softer parts on the palate, with the more vertical and tense nuances, all united by a minerality that is as powerful as it is subtle, is surprising. A bottle to accompany a fine dish such as roasted pigeon.