Markus Altenburger Blaufränkisch vom Kalk 2022

Neusiedlersee-Hügelland is a sub-region of Burgenland, in eastern Austria, and features a low mountain range to the west of Lake Neusiedl known as the Leithaberg. This area is unique for its mix of marine limestone and mica schist soils. Markus Altenburger's family has been in the region for over 500 years, originally farming a mix of animals, agricultural crops, and wine. In the 1990s, Markus’s father moved the entire production to wine and Markus joined the family winery in 2006 and began conversion to organic practices. Emphatic about the role of soil structures and terroir, Altenburger lets us know this blaufränkisch comes from limestone-rich soils ('vom kalk') indicated on the label. The grapes are fully destemmed but not crushed before native yeast fermentation kicks things off in stainless steel tanks. After completing fermentation, the wine is racked into large (2000L & 5000L) casks where it ages on lees for 18 months before bottling. This bottle has black and blue fruits galore, accented by peppery freshness and snap. Takes nicely to a slight chill, this is a bottle for Beaujolais and Northern Rhône syrah fans looking for something off the beaten path. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.