The 2023 Johanneshöhe is a wonderfully accessible entry point into Georg Prieler’s world of Blaufränkisch. The grapes come from several vineyards around Oggau, characterized by iron-rich brown loam soils with pebbles as well as components of shell limestone and mica schist. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by maturation in large wooden barrels.
In the glass, the Blaufränkisch is juicy, fresh, and elegant. Dark berries and ripe plum meet red cherry, fine herbal spice, and a hint of orange zest. The tannins remain fine, the acidity provides drive, and a slightly salty, mineral note emerges on the finish. Not a heavy Burgenland red, but a precise Blaufränkisch with drinkability, fruit, and sense of place.
At 13.5% vol. and having matured for a long time in large wood, the Johanneshöhe is already very accessible, yet possesses enough structure for a few years of bottle aging. Falstaff awarded the 2023 vintage 92 points.
