Natural Cabernet Franc 2023

The Natural Cabernet Franc 2023 is an unfiltered red wine from the Nussberg in Vienna, cherry red with violet highlights. The opening is defined by cassis and warm woody notes; with air the wine becomes denser and fuller: a touch of plum, followed by a spice register of allspice, bay leaf, juniper and dark pipe tobacco. Dry, 12.0% vol.

The 20 hectares on the Nussberg in Grinzing are among the capital's most storied vineyards. The vines are rooted in weathered limestone soils, and some of the plantings rank among the oldest in Austria. Vienna is one of the few capital cities in the world with vineyards within its city limits.

Single-varietal Cabernet Franc from biodynamic farming, certified respekt-BIODYN. At Hajszan Neumann the principle is one of radical non-intervention: fermented on the skins, unfined, unfiltered.

Ripe, dark fruit defines the mouthfeel, dry and creamy, with good body. The tannins stay soft, as is typical of Cabernet Franc, while fine acidity and coolness make for great drinkability. Uncomplicated and easy-drinking, with plenty of fruit and power.

Roast game with a dark jus, rack of lamb, duck breast or a hearty mushroom stew. Simpler, but just as fitting: hard mountain cheese.

Hajszan Neumann is Fritz Wieninger's natural wine testing ground, taken over in 2014 from Stefan Hajszan and Heinz Neumann. Stefan Hajszan had been the first Viennese winemaker to convert to biodynamics here back in 2006. Fritz Wieninger, co-president of RESPEKT-BIODYN, carries this line forward consistently: the wines are meant to show their rough side and are allowed to divide opinion.