J. Heinrich
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Proprietor: Johann and Gerti Heinrich Website: J. Heinrich Winery Country Location: Austria “I see the vineyards as my children, and just like bringing up children, I want to support them, accompany them and do my utmost best for them, and allow them to develop themselves and their character, as well as show their full potential." — Silvia Heinrich The people. For more than 300 years the Heinrich winemaking legacy has passed from one generation to the next. In 2002, after studying winemaking abroad, and working in Italy and Germany, Silvia Heinrich returned home to work full time in the family winery with her father Johann. In 2010 she assumed ownership. Deutschkreutz is a premier wine village in eastern Austria near the Hungarian border. Protected from mountains to the south, north and west, this is “Blaufränkischland”. Dense soils of loam and chalk retain water in the often warm and dry summers allowing Blaufränkisch to flourish. The source of the distinctive character of the J. Heinrich wines is their first-class single-vineyard sites. 80% are planted to Blaufränkisch. Only estate fruit is used. The range of wines includes fresh Blaufränkisch made from a blend of sites and aged in stainless steel, definitive single vineyard bottlings, and luxurious barrel aged cuvees. “My wines reflect the region, and are a piece of Blaufränkischland.” — Silvia Heinrich
 In the vineyards. The first vines were planted around the town of Deutschkreutz over 2,000 years ago. During the middle Ages it was an important center of viticulture. Today the Heinrich family farms 40 Ha of vineyards. These include Goldberg, Weisses Kreuz, Hochberg, Neuberg, Kart, Fabian and Siglos. The oldest plots were planted by Silvia’s grandfather more that 50 years ago. Vineyard practices are environmentally conscious, work is done primarily by hand, and grapes are always hand harvested.
 In the cellar. The winery was renovated and rebuilt in 2002. The first selection of grapes is done in the vineyard. Grapes are quickly transported to the winery where they are again sorted. All wines fermented with wild yeast. The simple Blaufränkisch is aged in stainless steel, all other wines spend a minimum of 6 months in the 400 barrel cellar bellow the winery. Premium wines are unfiltered.
 Winery Awards and AccoladesFalstaff Wine Guide 2000/01: Top 10 Red Wine Estates in Austria Vinaria Unser Wein - 1000 Best Wines of 2000. "From unknown bulk wine producer to the Cheval Blanc of Deutschkreutz" Also: Austrian reds: The Chronicle Recommends. Wines:
Blaufränkisch2011 $14.95 Sorry, SOld out! The new 2012 vintage is on its way and should be available by the end of July. The J.Heinrich Blaufrankisch is the fi... more > 
Blaufränkisch Goldberg2009 $24.95 Goldberg is the signature Blaufränkisch of the J.Heinrich estate. Made from vines Johann’s par... more > 
terra o. Cuvée2007 $45.95 The J.Heinrich estate and vineyards are located in Deutschkreutz in eastern Austria next to the Hungarian border. terra o. is a flagship ... more > |