Weingut Weninger Blaufränkisch Saybritz 2018

Weingut Weninger Blaufränkisch Saybritz 2018 is a focused, terroir-driven red from one of Austria’s most exciting specialists in Blaufränkisch. Sourced from the steep Saybritz vineyard, this wine captures the pure, mineral expression of Burgenland’s iron-rich, schist-influenced soils. In the warm 2018 vintage, it combines ripe fruit with a striking, saline freshness that will appeal to both serious collectors and adventurous drinkers.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the Blaufränkisch Saybritz 2018 shows a deep, vibrant ruby with a slight purple hue at the rim, hinting at both concentration and youthful energy. The nose is precise and elegant: wild blackberry, black cherry and sour plum layered with violet, cracked black pepper, dried herbs, and a distinct stony, ferrous minerality that speaks clearly of its origin. Subtle hints of graphite, smoke and dried rose petals emerge with air, giving the wine impressive aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied yet wonderfully linear, with juicy, dark berry fruit framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and a lively, mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of black cherry, boysenberry and blood orange interplay with savory notes of juniper, forest floor, and a touch of cocoa and spice. The finish is long, taut and saline, leaving a refreshing, almost herbal-mineral echo. Still youthful, the 2018 has clear aging potential: it is approachable now with some air, but will gain further nuance and polish over the next 8–12 years, and likely repay cellaring well beyond that window.

Production
The Saybritz vineyard lies on steep slopes in southern Burgenland, near Eisenberg, an area famed for its Blaufränkisch grown on green schist and iron-rich soils. This distinctive terroir gives naturally low yields, excellent drainage and a cool, minerally character that tempers the warmth of the vintage. At Weingut Weninger, the grapes are farmed organically and biodynamically, harvested by hand to ensure only perfectly ripe and healthy clusters are selected. In the cellar, the fruit is typically fermented spontaneously with native yeasts, often with a proportion of whole bunches to enhance spice, structure and aromatic lift. Aging takes place in large, neutral oak or used barrels, allowing the wine to develop texture and complexity without overt oak flavors, before being bottled with minimal intervention to preserve the integrity of the site.

Food & Serving
Blaufränkisch Saybritz 2018 is an excellent partner for refined yet hearty dishes such as roast duck, venison, slow-braised beef, lamb chops with rosemary, or game birds with earthy sides like mushrooms and root vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with charcuterie, aged Alpine cheeses and dishes featuring paprika, caraway or grilled vegetables. Serve at 16–18°C (60–65°F) to highlight its freshness and aromatic precision. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to allow the wine’s floral and mineral notes to fully open.

Producer
Weingut Weninger is a family-run estate with vineyards straddling both sides of the Austrian–Hungarian border, and has become one of the leading names in Burgenland for expressive, authentic Blaufränkisch. Under the guidance of Franz Weninger, the estate has embraced organic and biodynamic farming, low-intervention winemaking, and a strong focus on single-vineyard bottlings that transparently convey their origins. In regions such as Mittelburgenland and Eisenberg, Weninger has played a pivotal role in elevating Blaufränkisch from a local specialty to an internationally respected, terroir-driven variety. The Saybritz bottling, in particular, is regarded as one of the estate’s reference wines and a benchmark for the schist-driven, mineral style of Burgenland Blaufränkisch.