Sneak peek of GRU’s sibling – ‘Blueblood’

The red Austrian grape, Blaufrankisch, is the sibling to the Austrian white variety, Gruner Veltliner … and here at Hahndorf Hill we produce a delicious example of “Blau”.

The variety derives its name from the fact that in medieval times it was celebrated as the “blue grape of the Franks” and historical accounts relate how it was the reputed favourite tipple of the Frankish kings. The variety is also grown in southern Germany where it is known as Limberger, as well as in Hungary where it is called Kekfrankos and forms an essential component of the iconic Bulls Blood cuvée.

Blaufrankisch under bird nets before harvest.

The 2008 vintage of HHW Blaufrankisch wine was the first production of this variety in Australia and we were honoured to receive several awards including two gold medals and a trophy.  Our 2009 Blueblood Blaufrankisch is due to be released in late July at the Adelaide Hills Winter Reds festival, but in the meantime we have begun releasing it to the wine critics.

Here is what James Halliday had to say about our 2009 vintage in ‘The Weekend Australian Magazine’.

“Blaufrankisch is one of Austria’s most widely planted grapes, known for its colour, tannin and raciness born of its high acidity. DNA suggests one of its parents is Gouais Blanc, which makes it a half-brother of Shiraz. Brightly coloured, some spicy morello cherry aromas lead into a fleshy palate, with spice giving way to a more savoury background, the tannins not at all aggressive. Rating: 91 points.”

Philip White in ‘The Independent Weekly’ rated our 2009 Blueblood 94 points and described it as “zippy and lively … it’s reflective of its place, which is a vineyard with ironstone …”  You can listen to Philip’s full review of this wine on his new wine video column by following the link  http://bit.ly/kVFGHW

Wine blogger WiningPom wrote of Blueblood: “Vividly aromatic, it starts with dark cherries, a Kirsch-like quality, chocolate coated licorice bullets, twigs, a slightly herbal quality with a touch of coffee grounds and vanillin complexity.” Check out his full review by following this link  http://bit.ly/imB8hQ

To register your interest in the limited release of the HHW Blaufrankisch 2009, please go to our website and sign up to become one of our Loyalty Program members. http://bit.ly/mACo8m