Blaufränkisch

Grilled sausages offer a smoky, savory profile with rich fat content that pairs beautifully with wines that have good acidity to cut through the fat and enough body to match the meat's intensity. For beers, the carbonation in crisp lagers and balanced malt-forward styles helps cleanse the palate between bites while complementing the smoky char from grilling.

Pork schnitzel is a thin, breaded and fried cutlet with a savory, crispy exterior and tender interior. The bright acidity in Grüner Veltliner cuts through the richness while the maltiness of Vienna Lager complements the golden crust, making both exceptional partners for this classic Austrian dish.

Wiener Schnitzel, a thinly pounded, breaded and fried veal cutlet, has a delicate flavor with a crisp exterior that requires beverages that won't overpower it. The wines and beers suggested offer complementary acidity to cut through the richness of the frying while highlighting the subtlety of the veal.

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.

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.