1996 Pretterebner Blaufrankisch Barrique

So, Blaufrankisch... what is it exactly?  Well, referred to as "like pinot noir" often it is actually its own grape. It was a cross of two grapes we've never heard of and it literally means "blue franconian" which is simply an explanation of its origin and well, its color. And the next big question on your mind? So, 1996, eh?  Yes, 1996.    

Aged in Tyrolean oak barrels and twice green harvested to reduce yields the blaufrankisch is displaying a deep ruby core with a light rim. The nose is full of herbs and a strong similarity to port with its dense concentrated blue fruit smells. The palate has great structure with good cherry juiciness and underlying characteristics of richer sweeter red fruits. It has good length and great balance. Frankly, it's just plain well-made and fun to say. It's not often we get to experience older wines and this one is showing well now.

Blaufrankisch Barrique $19 a bottle

meet the winemaker

Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Pretterebner
The fancy title of "Dipl.-Ing" was new to us, but essentially it is the equivalent of a masters degree simply meaning "engineers degree".  Rolf's degree is in, betcha can't guess.... yup, soil. According to third hand accounts, Rolf has spent a lifetime trying to understand soil since that is what he believes will most greatly influence the wine.

With just 4 hectares of land, Rolf takes his wine and his vineyard very seriuosly. In fact, he specializes in red varietals and making structured, full bodied reds. Age-ability is a goal for Rolf in his wines. The wines aged in barrel are put there to soften the power of the old vines. The youngest vines are 80 years old and the oldest are 120 years old! Rolf, like many of our producers, is fanatical about organics, only adds sulfur at the end of the bottling if necessary and interferes in the process as little as possible. He refers to his approach to winemaking as a gentle approach which is to say that he believes great location, low yields and the organic treatment of a vineyard are the ingredients to making great wine. But, don't believe us, come taste for yourself.