Hahndorf Hill "The Blueblood" Blaufränkisch 2009

Hahndorf Hill "The Blueblood" Blaufränkisch 2009

  14:45    Stu.

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Until recently I'd not had the pleasure of tasting Blaufränkisch - literally blue Frankish - and then in one of those moments of synchronicity I tasted an Austrian example and then most generously this sample from Hahndorf Hill.

I read that Blaufränkisch is so named in part because of its colour; the fränkisch part coming from a medieval attempt to classify grapes whose origins lay with the superior Fränks (fränkisch).  

I was told that it is a relative of Gamay, but have not been able to back this up other than to say that it is known as Gamé in Bulgaria. 

But enough etymology - what does it taste like I hear you ask? Spicy black cherry with a hint of coffee grounds lurking in the background.  It's brightly coloured; the palate smooth. Berries, red and black abound, textural in the mouth giving way to a good backbone of acid carrying a persistent line of spice.  Tannins are present, but not overt.  Paired well with a cauliflower and pumpkin curry.

So that's me, but the final word has to go to Pat Haddock: "Blauf Blauf, get it down your mouth!". 

Source: Sample

Price: $35

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Screwcap

Website: http://www.hahndorfhillwinery.com.au/

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