Tasting - Zantho Blaufränkisch

Name: Zantho Blaufränkisch
Variety: 100% Blaufränkisch

Region: Burgenland
Country: Austria
Year: 2014
Price: €9

Winery Review: Our Blaufränkisch shows deep red with a violet rim. In the nose it shows incredibly fine fruit which remembers of blackberries together with fine spiciness. On the palate the wine shows again deep and spicy berry fruit which is backed up by fine acidity and shows a mineral finish. An elegant, good structured wine with good ageing potential.

My Review: The nose is very fruity with hints of black fruit specifically blackberries and plum. The wine is very fruit dominate. Black fruit come through on the palate with a bit of spice. I also get hints of licorice. The wine is also very hot and seems unbalanced. The finish is short. I have been excited to try this variety for a while but I don’t think this is the best entry into this grape. It’s not discouraging though as I am hopeful that I can find a good one. 

Tasting - Vinselekt Michlovský Latitude 49

Name: Vinselekt Michlovský Latitude 49
Variety: 100% Modrý Portugal

Region: Mikulovská
Country: Czech Republic
Year: 2012
Price: 450 CZK

Winery Review: Fruity aroma with an expression of small forest fruits and black berries harmoniously tuned plum stone, original velvety and balanced tannins.

My Review: This was my first crack at a Czech wine. It was big and bold. The nose had big aromas and it was pungent. It smelled fruity with hints of red fruit specifically raspberries and licorice. The taste was of raspberries, blackberries, and black fruit in general. It was a hot wine and was kind of watery on the palate. It had a long finish and a tannic aftertaste. The fruity quality isn’t sustained due to the heat the wine packs. I did enjoy this wine and was a good introduction to Czech wines.