Whether Blaufränkisch in Austria or Lemberger in Germany: The grape variety, likely originating from the area of Lemberg pri Šmarju in the former Lower Styria, now Slovenia, holds immense potential and is also a big player in Württemberg. The calcareous soils there benefit the grape variety – thus, it thrives in the shell limestone vineyards of the roterfaden winery.
Roterfaden refers to its top line as "Endschleife," alluding to the geographical origin of the wines: they come from the amphitheater-like loop of the Enz river.
The vines for the Lemberger, also known as Blaufränkisch Endschleife, are from their oldest plots, all rooted in steep terraces. The few grapes that grow on these old vines are gently pressed in a small basket press, fermented in an open wooden vat, and aged in used Tonneaux barrels.
This wine exemplifies that great red wine can be lean – aligning with other subtle greats like Nebbiolos from Lessona or Valtellina. The Lemberger Endschleife features a cool and linear structure, a delicate yet taut tannin framework, dark, cool fruit nuances, and notes of graphite and minerality in its long, powerful finish.
Data Sheet
- Grape Variety: Lemberger (Blaufränkisch)
- Vineyard: Shell limestone, steep slopes by the Enz loop
- Harvest: Hand-picked
- Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, open wooden vat
- Aging: In used Tonneaux barrels
- Filtration: None
- SO₂: < 50 mg/l
- Alcohol Content: 11% vol.
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 16-18°C
- Optimal Drinking Period: From now until 2030
- Content and Price per Liter: 0.75 l/(€41.12/l)
- Philosophy: All winemakers listed with Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards, avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
