Winemaker’s note: “The name Helden (German for heroes) refers to the vintage 2014 when, after an intense hailstorm in August, only a few grapes survived without a damage – real heroes. Given the miniscule quantity, we fermented the grapes from two very different terroirs – half schist, half limestone – together back then. It was a first time using whole-bunch fermentation, an approach we’ve stuck with since.”
Grape: Blaufrankisch
Vineyard: blend of two distinct terroirs. Hackelsberg is pure dry schist soil, Bergschmallister is white limestone. Dry-farmed, certified organic. Leithaberg DAC
Making of: Grapes are hand harvested and macerated as whole bunches for 3 weeks. Spontaneously fermented in wooden fermenter. Aged for 14 months in used 500l, 600l and 700l oak barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, with 10 mg of added sulfites.
Personality: opposites definitely attract in this lovely balanced red. Schist brings out the rich dark fruit of Blaufrankisch while limestone gives the wine length and softness. Focused and super-interesting.
Grape: Blaufrankisch
Vineyard: blend of two distinct terroirs. Hackelsberg is pure dry schist soil, Bergschmallister is white limestone. Dry-farmed, certified organic. Leithaberg DAC
Making of: Grapes are hand harvested and macerated as whole bunches for 3 weeks. Spontaneously fermented in wooden fermenter. Aged for 14 months in used 500l, 600l and 700l oak barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, with 10 mg of added sulfites.
Personality: opposites definitely attract in this lovely balanced red. Schist brings out the rich dark fruit of Blaufrankisch while limestone gives the wine length and softness. Focused and super-interesting.