The 2019 Weingut Dorli Muhr Ried Kirchweingarten Höflein is a beautifully perfumed and finely structured Blaufränkisch from one of Austria’s benchmark terroir-driven producers. Sourced from the Kirchweingarten vineyard in the village of Höflein, west of Prellenkirchen in Carnuntum, the wine comes from south-facing limestone-rich soils with layers of clay and loess that give the wine both generosity and remarkable mineral tension. Unlike the more austere Spitzerberg sites, Kirchweingarten tends to produce a more immediately expressive and delicate style while still retaining Dorli Muhr’s signature finesse and freshness. Fermented naturally with gentle extraction and aged for around 20 months in large old oak casks before bottling unfiltered, the 2019 vintage combines elegance, purity and exceptional drinkability.
The nose reveals sour cherry, redcurrant and wild berry fruit layered alongside hibiscus, dried herbs, licorice and subtle floral spice, giving the wine remarkable aromatic lift and complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a beautifully poised mineral core. Layers of red cherry, plum and savoury spice unfold with saline freshness and fine chalky tension, finishing long, elegant and beautifully persistent with a delicate citrus-inflected lift. Critics have praised the wine’s “juicy and silky” texture together with its remarkable freshness and perfumed character, highlighting its balance between succulence and structure.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2019 Dorli Muhr Ried Kirchweingarten Höflein is a superb Blaufränkisch — fragrant, mineral and beautifully refined with outstanding freshness and finesse. Perfect with duck, roast pork, mushroom dishes, charcuterie or refined Central European cuisine. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar comfortably through 2035+.
