Moric Blaufrankisch Moric Reserve 2022

Moric Reserve Blaufränkisch 2022 is a refined, terroir-driven red from Burgenland that showcases why Austria’s Blaufränkisch is increasingly compared to top Burgundy and Northern Rhône. This cuvée focuses on purity, precision and depth rather than sheer power, offering a beautifully poised expression of the grape. As part of Moric’s highly regarded Reserve line, it represents a benchmark for modern Austrian red wine, uniting traditional methods with an elegant, contemporary style.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Moric Reserve 2022 shows a deep but vibrant ruby core with a subtle violet rim, hinting at both concentration and freshness. The nose is detailed and layered: wild dark berries, sour cherry and blackcurrant are woven with notes of violets, dried herbs, cracked pepper, and a touch of graphite and subtle oak spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet intense, with fine, chalky tannins and a lively, cooling acidity that gives real lift. Flavours of black cherry, ripe plum and bramble fruit mingle with savory hints of tobacco leaf, forest floor, spice and mineral notes that echo wet stone. The finish is long, focused and slightly saline, suggesting excellent balance and great drinkability already in its youth. While approachable now with a short decant, this Reserve is built to age gracefully for 8–15 years, gaining complexity and silkiness over time.

Production
The Moric Reserve Blaufränkisch 2022 is sourced from carefully selected sites in Burgenland, where old vines grow on a mix of limestone, schist and gravelly soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavor. The continental climate, with warm days and cool nights near the Hungarian border, allows Blaufränkisch to ripen slowly while retaining its hallmark freshness and spice. Grapes are generally harvested by hand to ensure optimal selection of healthy, ripe bunches in the vineyard. In the cellar, Moric follows a low-intervention, Burgundian-inspired approach: gentle fermentation with native yeasts, minimal extraction to preserve finesse, and maturation in large, mostly used oak to frame the wine without masking its terroir. The result is a nuanced, site-transparent Blaufränkisch that balances structure, fruit and mineral tension.

Food & Serving
This Reserve Blaufränkisch is a versatile partner at the table, especially with refined yet flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with roast duck, grilled lamb chops, venison, mushroom-based dishes, charcuterie, and aged alpine cheeses. Try it with herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, or slow-cooked pork shoulder to highlight its savory and spicy nuances. Serve at 16–18°C to emphasize elegance and aromatic detail. A decant of 30–60 minutes in its youth will help the wine open up and reveal its full aromatic spectrum.

Producer
Moric, founded by winemaker Roland Velich, has become one of the most influential names in Burgenland and a driving force behind the global reappraisal of Austrian red wine. From the outset, the estate has focused on elevating Blaufränkisch to the level of the world’s great terroir wines, emphasizing old vines, distinctive sites and a restrained, traditional cellar philosophy. By championing low yields, organic-leaning viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, Moric has helped redefine the style of Burgenland wines—from heavy and oaky to precise, elegant and terroir-expressive. The Moric Reserve bottlings are particularly sought after by sommeliers and collectors, frequently earning high critical acclaim and solidifying the estate’s status as a regional benchmark.