Burgenland

Zweigelt might sound like a complicated German math concept, but it's actually Austria's most planted red grape and delivers some seriously delicious, easy-drinking wines. Christina's version is a perfect introduction to this underappreciated variety – think of it as the lovable middle ground between Pinot Noir's elegance and Gamay's juicy freshness. Austrian reds still fly under the radar for many wine drinkers, which means you get exceptional quality without the markup that comes with more famous regions. This Zweigelt is remarkably versatile – it takes a slight chill beautifully for summer drinking but has enough character to stand up to heartier fall and winter fare. It's the kind of wine that makes you look like you know what you're doing when you bring it to a dinner party, without requiring a wine importer's budget. For those looking to expand their red wine horizons beyond the usual suspects, this is a delightful place to start.

Donausonne Blaufränkisch is an Austrian red wine showcasing the country's signature grape variety. This wine likely comes from Burgenland, where Blaufränkisch thrives in the continental climate and produces wines with characteristic spice, dark fruit flavors, and good structure.

Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, Höpler's Pannonica Red is a delightful introduction to Austria's red wine personality. This blend combines the country's signature varieties to create something that's both uniquely Austrian and universally appealing. The blend typically features Blaufränkisch providing structure and spice, Zweigelt adding juicy fruit and approachability, and a touch of Pinot Noir for elegance and aromatics. From Burgenland, Austria's warmest wine region near the Hungarian border, this red offers more fruit and body than you might expect from Austrian wine while maintaining the freshness and drinkability the country is known for. It's the perfect bottle to reach for when you want something different from the usual suspects but don't want to stray too far from the comfort zone – familiar enough to be approachable but distinctive enough to be memorable.

Austria produces some of the world's most distinctive white wines, and Höpler's Pannonica White offers a perfect introduction to their unique charm. Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, this blend combines native and international varieties to create something both approachable and intriguing. The blend typically features Austria's signature Grüner Veltliner providing that characteristic pepper and citrus character, with Pinot Blanc adding body and stone fruit notes, and a touch of Chardonnay for richness and familiarity. From Burgenland near the Hungarian border, this white shows the perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and mineral character that makes Austrian whites so food-friendly and versatile. It's the ideal bottle for those looking to venture beyond the usual white wine suspects without diving into the deep end of obscurity.

This collaborative project brings together some of Austria's most exciting wine talents to showcase the potential of Blaufränkisch, the country's signature red grape. Vineyard Project 004 represents a modern, minimal-intervention approach to this traditional variety. Franz Weninger is renowned for his work with Blaufränkisch on both sides of the Austrian-Hungarian border, while Gober & Freinbichler bring their innovative perspective to the blend. The result is a wine that balances the grape's natural spicy character and bright acidity with pure fruit expression. It's the perfect bottle for curious wine lovers looking to explore beyond the usual suspects – offering the structure and complexity of Pinot Noir with a distinctive Central European personality all its own.