Claus Preisinger Paradigma 2023

Claus Preisinger Paradigma 2023 is a vibrant, thoughtfully crafted red from Burgenland that brings together Austria’s emblematic Blaufränkisch with the softness and depth of Merlot. The result is a wine that feels both modern and grounded in place, uniting precision, elegance, and effortless drinkability. It’s a fine example of how a progressive biodynamic grower can use an international grape to highlight, rather than overshadow, regional character. Paradigma’s unique charm lies in its blend: 60% Blaufränkisch for freshness, spice, and tension; 40% Merlot for supple fruit and textural polish. Aged in old barriques that add no overt oak flavor, the wine speaks clearly of fruit and terroir rather than wood. Historically, Merlot only arrived in Austria in the 1980s during the “Bordeaux boom,” but in the hands of a forward-thinking winemaker like Preisinger, it has been reimagined as a subtle supporting partner to native varieties, not a replacement for them.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Paradigma 2023 shows a luminous, medium ruby color with purple highlights, signaling both youth and freshness. It has a certain translucence rather than inky depth, hinting at elegance over sheer power. The nose opens with ripe, fresh cherries—both sweet and sour—supported by notes of wild berries, red plum, and a touch of blackcurrant from the Merlot. Underneath the fruit lie delicate layers of violet, a dusting of peppery spice, and a faint herbal lift reminiscent of wild thyme or dried flowers. With air, subtle earthy and mineral nuances emerge, adding complexity without heaviness. On the palate, the wine is juicy, medium-bodied, and wonderfully balanced between fruit and structure. The Blaufränkisch brings vibrant acidity and fine-grained, chalky tannins, while the Merlot contributes roundness and a silky mid-palate. Flavors of cherry, cranberry, red currant, and plum are joined by hints of cocoa nib, graphite, and gentle spice. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, making it highly drinkable and food-friendly rather than over-extracted or oaky. Paradigma 2023 is appealing already in its youth, thanks to its purity of fruit and supple texture, but it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years. Over time, expect the bright red fruit to integrate with more savory, earthy tones and an even silkier mouthfeel.

Production
Paradigma is sourced from biodynamically farmed vineyards in Burgenland, where the Pannonian climate brings warm, dry summers and cool nights, and the soils range from limestone and gravel to loam and sand. This combination gives Blaufränkisch its trademark tension and spice, while allowing Merlot to ripen fully without losing freshness. The grapes are harvested selectively by hand to ensure only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe clusters make it to the cellar. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, reflecting Preisinger’s low-intervention philosophy and allowing the character of the fruit and site to shine through. The wine is then aged for 18 months in old barriques that no longer impart noticeable oak flavor, serving only as a gentle vessel for maturation. It is bottled without fining or filtration, and with only minimal sulfur, preserving texture, purity, and the subtle nuances of the vintage.

Food & Serving
Paradigma 2023 is an agile food partner that works beautifully with both rustic and refined dishes. It pairs well with roasted poultry (duck, guinea fowl, or chicken with herbs), grilled lamb chops, pork loin, or veal with mushroom sauces. Its bright acidity and red-fruited profile also make it a fine match for charcuterie, cured meats, and aged semi-hard cheeses, as well as vegetable-based dishes like roasted root vegetables, ratatouille, or mushroom risotto. Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to keep the freshness and aromatic lift; avoid serving too warm, which can blur the structure. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up its floral and savory layers, especially in its first few years after release.

Producer
Weingut Claus Preisinger, based in Gols in Burgenland, is one of the leading names in Austria’s new generation of natural-leaning, terroir-driven winemakers. Since taking over in the late 1990s, Preisinger has moved consistently toward biodynamic farming, low-intervention cellar work, and a style that privileges authenticity and drinkability over sheer concentration. His estate has become a reference point in the Neusiedlersee area, demonstrating how indigenous varieties like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, as well as carefully chosen international grapes, can express a precise sense of place. Widely respected in and beyond Austria, he is known for his elegant, characterful reds and textural whites, and for helping to shift the region’s reputation from bulk wine to high-quality, artisanal production.

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