Lutzmannsburg Alte Reben 2012

A Blaufränkisch where the fruit deliberately takes a back seat, letting spice, savoury depth, and minerality take the lead. After more than a decade, the wine displays tension and elegance without losing its composure.

Lutzmannsburg in Burgenland: Roland Velich's vines take root here on a prehistoric volcano whose iron-rich soils impart distinct minerality to the Blaufränkisch. The vines are between 50 and 110 years old, dating back to an era before the variety was bred for high yields. Yields are minuscule, resulting in exceptional concentration.

Single-varietal Blaufränkisch from biodynamic cultivation. In the cellar, Velich practices radical restraint: spontaneous fermentation in open wooden vats, 22 days of maceration, followed by 20 months of aging on the fine lees in large, used oak casks. Neither fined nor filtered. 14.0% vol., dry.

Soft yet structured, the texture dense and multi-layered, the mature tannins fine. On the nose, iron-rich and meaty nuances lead, with roasting juices and toasted notes, alongside roasted hazelnut, baked plum, dried oregano, marjoram, and lovage, as well as fresh rosemary. Beetroot meets forest floor and undergrowth; juniper, white pepper, cubeb pepper, and allspice add tension, while tar and pine needles introduce an ethereal lift. Ripe cherry, blackberry, and mulberry remain subtle companions. The long finish resonates with herbs, mineral freshness, and nutty spice.

Moric was founded in 2001 by Roland Velich, who vinifies Blaufränkisch with a Burgundian sensibility. James Suckling named the estate among the world's top nine wineries, and Falstaff awarded Velich Winemaker of the Year in 2023.