92

2015 Pittnauer Pittnauski, Burgenland

( £17, 13% )

It’s amazing how much Austrian red wines have improved in the last decade, thanks to warmer vintages and much better work in the vineyards and winery. This appealingly mature cuvée of Merlot with three local grapes, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St Laurent, is a case in point. It’s smooth, complex and well balanced, with subtle wood, black cherry, plum and fresh earth notes, bright, chalky acidity and a funky undertone.

BuyDrinking window: 2021-25Similar Wines: £15-20, 90-94, Austria, Red, Blaufränkisch, Merlot, St Laurent, Zweigelt

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by Matt Walls
They wouldn’t have got past the elevator pitch in Dragons’ Den. “So you want to sell premium Austrian wines from a transport container in the East End of London?” summarises...