Whether Blaufränkisch in Austria or Lemberger in Germany: the grape variety, which probably originated in the area of Lemberg pri Šmarju in the former Lower Styria in what is now Slovenia, has enormous potential and is also a big hit in Württemberg. The calcareous soils there favour the grape variety - accordingly, it also finds the best conditions in the shell limestone vineyards of the roterfaden winery.
roterfaden calls its top line "Endschleife" in allusion to the geographical home of the wines: they come from the amphitheatre of the Enz river bend.
The vines of the Lemberger aka Blaufränkisch Endschleife come from the oldest vineyards, all of which are rooted in steep terraces. The few grapes that grow on the old vines are gently pressed in a small basket press, then fermented in an open wooden fermentation vat and matured in used tonneaux.
The wine is an example of how great red wine can be quite slender - it joins a series of subtle greats such as Nebbiolos from Lessona or Valtellina. The Lemberger Endschleife has a cool and straightforward structure, a fine, taut tannin framework, dark, cool fruit nuances and notes of graphite and minerality in the long, powerful finish.
Data sheet
Grape variety: Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
Vineyard: Shell limestone, steep slopes on the Enz bend
Harvest: By hand
Fermentation: spontaneous | wild yeasts, open wooden fermentation vats
Ageing: in used tonneaux
Filtration: no
SO₂: < 50 mg/l
Alcohol content: 11 % vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Drinking temperature: 16-18°C
Perfect drinking maturity: from now - 2030
Content and price per litre: 0.75 l/(€41.12/l)
Maxime: All winegrowers listed with Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertiliser and natural preparations in their vineyards and refrain from using herbicides, pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
