J. Heinrich

Proprietor: Johann and Gerti Heinrich
Website: J. Heinrich Winery
Country Location: Austria
 

"For us winemaking is not an eight hour day, it's our life."


  LOCATION. Mittelburgenland is Austria’s red wine paradise par excellence. An ideal mix of pannonian climate, the warm stabilizing influence of Lake Neusiedler and deep loam and loess soils that retain water make the lovely rolling hills a showcase for Austrian red wine culture. The "Blaufränkischland" ("Blaufränkisch Country")J. Heinrichis part of the flatlands, in eastern Austria, near the Hungarian border. The inspired climate with up to 2,000 sun hours per year and an annual mean temperature of 50°F are the most important factor for the vineyards. The winters here are not too severe and the summers are hot and dry. The first vines were planted in Mittelburgenland over 2,000 years ago, and during the middle Ages the town of Deutschkreutz was an important center of viticulture.
  
  WINEMAKERS. The Heinrich’s success last year is confirmed by the Wine Spectator rating terra o. as Austria’s best red wine two years in a row. The Goldberg Reserve 2002 was the only Blaufränkisch from Austria receiving 5 Stars at the tasting held by the German wine magazine "Selection". The Heinrich family has been making wine for 300 years. Their winery is located in Deutschkreutz, the heart of "Blaufränkisch Country" of eastern Austria. The Blaufränkisch grape lies close to the hearts of the Heinrich family. More than fifty percent of their vineyards are planted with Blaufränkisch. They embrace both traditional winemaking and see perspectives for the future in this local Austrian grape variety. True to local traditions, they also produce Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah add an international flair to their flagship blends "terra o." "Elegy" and "Cupido". Heinrich’s wines shine through their soft round tannins, concentrated fruit and great richness.
  Although the family has making wine for 300 years, Johann Heinrich and his wife Gerti managed within a decade to become known as one of Austria’s leading red wine producers. In the beginning of the 90’s his wine was sold in bulk bottles, now they are among the elite of Austrian red wines. The cornerstone of this impressive track record is first-class single-vineyard sites with vines some of which are over fifty years old. This transformation also required completely new state-of-the-art technology in the wine cellar. Johann Heinrich used no less than Chateau Cheval Blanc, the famous winery in Bordeaux as his model. The Heinrichs were determined to use barrique aging from the very beginning. Today some 400 small oak barrels are found in the squeaky clean new cellars of the winery.
  The hypermodern "mini-Chateau"is now being run by two generations: Johann and his daughter Silvia. In addition to the long family wine tradition, Silvia Heinrich Kayak has worked in estates at home and abroad. In Italy she worked at Giacomo Bologna in Piedmont and in Germany at Müller-Catoir in Pfalz. Silvia Heinrich returned to the family winery in 2002 after doing media and advertising for the Austrian Wine Marketing Board in Vienna. She brings new energy and ideas into the Heinrich winery and has focused on restructuring the product line and strengthening the marketing of the winery. Her personal passion is the Austrian native varietal, Blaufränkisch. She wants to show the potential of this grape and make it known internationally. Silvia is a member of the award winning "11 Women and Their Wine" association.
  
  VINEYARDS. The Heinrichs currently have 54 acres planted in red grapes; a size they feel enables them to pursue quality without compromise. They use only their own estate grown grapes, guaranteeing the best possible wines. The Deutschkreuz vineyards are named Goldberg, Weisses Kreuz, Kart, Fabian and Siglos where Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz vines thrive. A small portion of white grapes is grown.
  Their pride and joy is the Goldberg vineyard, planted by Johann's parents and grandparents in 1947. Three hectares of Blaufränkisch vines, the oldest in Deutschkreutz are growing here. The yields of these old vines are extremely small, but the quality of their concentrated berries is extraordinary.
  
  WINEMAKING. The Heinrichs have completely renovated the winery in 2002 building new wine cellars, press and storage facilities.
  
  J. HeinrichWINES. 90% reds, 10% whites.
  The products of the estate are five Blaufränkisch wines ranging from younger vines around fourteen years old, to old vines and including a reserve Blaufränkisch from the top vineyard, Goldberg, the Zweigelt from the famous vineyard Siglos, the Pinot Noir Weisses Kruez ,Cabernet Sauvignon, a new Syrah bottling and the blend "terra o." These wines are aged in French oak for at least 14 months. In 1997, the Heinrichs started crafting their first "garage wine" — the blend "Elegy", from the two best barrels in the cellar and produced a tiny amount of 400 bottles to offer to collectors. The Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend is only offered in exceptional vintage years. A new blend, "Cupido", created by Silvia and Wolfgang Kayak for their wedding is setting new heights in premium wines from Burgenland. This Blaufränkisch blend clearly shows the great potential of the grape and quickly garnered top awards from Falstaff and Ala Carte.
  The Heinrich wines are exceptional. The Blaufränkisch 2004 is particularly pleasing with its wild berry aromas and elegant, piquant, velvety nature. The Goldberg Alte Reben 2003 is elegant. It shows blackberry, cherry and chocolate aromas with a juicy and firm structure. The Goldberg Reserve 2002 has more depth. It is powerful but delicate with a supple fruit body and beautiful texture. The outstanding "terra o." carries Silvia Heinrich’s signature: cool crystal clear fruit, nuanced aromatics enhanced with masculine deep tannin. "The 2002’s reveal more structure, pure fruit flavors and more typical direct linear profiles." Wine Spectator
  

Winery Awards


  Falstaff 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"
 

Wines:

 J. Heinrich
terra o. 2002
This modern style cuvee is one of the top "Austro-Blends". A special wine deserves a special name. "terra o." is Latin for terra oppidorum the ancient name for the appellation, Burgenland. The blend consists of Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah und Zweigelt aged 16 months in primarily new French oak barriques. Brilliant ruby red with an almost black core and violet highlights. Intensive concentrated fruit and aroma of dark berries, cassis, roasted tones and a hint of herbs. Huge, powerful red, very ripe with lively acids, soft but marked tannins give this wine its harmonious length. A long barrique aging give this concentrated, powerful wine ability to age. This will be a pleasure to drink for many years to come.

"Deep and dark ruby-garnet, wide rim lightening; subtle aroma redolent of dried fruit and spicy notes with some balm; elegant and textured on the palate, pithy oak spiciness, taut tannins, layers of flavors; sweet on the finish; shows promise with some time in the bottle." Peter Moser, The Ultimate Austrian Wine Guide 2004/2005

"The 2002's reveal more structure, pure fruit flavors and more typical direct linear profiles. The top wines are the blackberry and cassis infused" Wine Spectator May 15, 2005

Wine Spectator 91 Points
Falstaff 91-93 Points
Vinaria— Austria’s Top 10 Cuvees


J. Heinrich
Blaufränkisch 2004
Radiant ruby-red with a violet highlights, harmonious fruit on the palate, tastes of blackberry and dark sour cherry with a hint of spice. This is a wonderful classic Blaufränkisch with juicy body and soft tannins. It is round, supple and has good concentrated fruit. Enjoy its youthful charms. This is a perfect everyday quaffer.

J. Heinrich
Blaufränkisch Goldberg Reserve 2002
From the Heinrich’s best vineyard, the over 50 year old vines produce a powerful Blaufränkisch full of character. Only the best grapes, after perfect ripening in the vineyard carefully harvested and just as carefully fermented and without further influence put into the bottle. Red wine from Austria should taste like this more often. Deep ruby color with purple reflections. Fine berry aroma underlayed with nougat. Fabulous rich texture. Lush fresh fruit: strawberry and cherry with mineral overtones. Hint of tobacco and vanilla followed by a sensuously fruity aftertaste. Very well integrated tannins. A dense, structured and spicy, robust red with lots of character and a long finish. This vintage was Vinaria's "Best Buy".

Falstaff 90-92 Points
A La Carte 93 Points
Vinaria "Best Buy"

Blaufränkisch Goldberg Alte Reben 2003
When a vineyard is called "Mountain of Gold" or Goldberg one knows that treasures will be found there. In the oldest vineyard of Deutschkreutz the grapes have ripened since 1947 on 3 hectares producing wines of the best quality. Alte Reben (translated as Old Vines) spends six months in two-year old barriques. Dark ruby red with purple highlights, clear, harmonious fruit on the palate, tastes of blackberry and dark sour cherry. Lingering with espresso and chocolate notes followed by a juicy supple rich fruit body.

Falstaff: 88 Points