Claus Preisinger Bonsai

Vintage: 2021

Origin: Burgenland, Austria

Grapes: Blaufrankisch

Alcohol: 12%

As opposed to other Blaufränkisch vineyards, Bonsai's grapes come from low-trained, gnarly vines that remind Claus of miniature "Bonsai" trees. This unique high-density planted vineyard is located on the North Shores of Lake Neusiedlersee. The vineyard is sitting on a limestone foundation, while the top layers are made up of a mixture of gravel and sandy clay. Hand-harvested grapes are carefully macerated for a few days (the number of days depends on the vintage; in 2021 it was three), then crushed and matured in a large 1000L barrel without any adjustments. Straight from the barrel, Bonsai is bottled in the early summer of the following year. With flavours of cassis, strawberry, and pomegranate, Bonsai is a very delicate example of Blaufrankisch. Mild tannins and a hint of smokiness make Bonsai an ideal red to serve slightly chilled.