Prieler Johanneshohe Blaufrankisch 2018 750ml

The Prieler Johanneshohe Blaufränkisch 2018  is a red wine from Weingut Prieler, a respected family winery in Burgenland, Austria. Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger or Kékfrankos) is the signature grape of the region, known for its elegant, peppery, and fruit-forward profile—often compared to a mix of Pinot Noir's finesse, Syrah's spice, and Cabernet Franc's freshness.

This 2018 vintage comes from the Ried Johanneshohe vineyard (or parcels in the Schützen/Oggau area), featuring calcareous loam soils with elements like limestone and mica schist. The winemaking typically involves whole-berry fermentation (around 14 days) and aging in large oak casks (often 2–3 years in used barrels), emphasizing balance over heavy oak influence. The producer focuses on organic practices in many cases.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics

• Appearance: Intense ruby red with purple reflections, fading to garnet/ochre at the rim.
• Aroma: Dark and ripe fruit-forward—black cherries, plums, blackberries, and blueberries, often with spicy-savory notes (pepper, cloves), hints of tar, earth, herbs, smoke, and baking spices.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, voluptuously ripe with juicy red and purple fruits, fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a fresh, mineral edge. It's well-balanced, velvety, and engaging, with a bright, lingering finish. Descriptions highlight elegance, drinkability, and an "airy" foundation despite depth and intensity.
• Style: Light-to-medium perfumed red, approachable yet with good structure and aging potential. Alcohol around 13%.

Critics and users praise the 2018 for its freshness taming the dense fruit, making it seductive and classic.