Weninger, Ponzichter XVIII, Burgenland

A lively, complex red blend that's made of Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Blaufränkisch and Cabernet Franc. Aged for well over a year in 40 year old casks.

Franz Weninger’s family has farmed land in Horitschon, Central Burgenland, for close to two centuries, and on both sides of the border of Austria and Hungary since 1992. A very thoughtful winemaker, Franz writes extensively on his website about every aspect of the winegrowing and winemaking process. He follows biodynamic principles in the vineyard and the winery, with no crop-thinning, no batonnage, and no added sulfites. His aim is to support the growth of healthy vines that naturally produce a lower yield, resulting in a deeper concentration of flavor accompanied by the taste of the natural fermentation process the juice undergoes. This ‘Ponzichter’ blend of pinot noir and zweigelt takes its name from a word the Hungarian-speaking people of Sopron used to refer to German-speaking winegrowers in the border region who would grow beans between the rows of vines. Drawing from Weninger’s vineyards in Austria and in Hungary, this light-bodied red combines the floral aromatics of a summer meadow with bright red fruit. Fans of Jura reds will find a lot to like here. Certified organic, biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.