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A stunning red blend of Austria's native Zweigelt (70%) and Blaufränkisch (30%).
Pannobile is actually nine different wines, each from a different grower in Gols, Austria. These nine growers have collaborated to produce world-class wines from grapes indigenous to their region. All Pannobile blends are from select terroirs and old vines. These are some of Austria's most sought-after red wines and deserve a place in your cellar.
The 2006 Heinrich Pannobile is nearly opaque with Bing cherry aromatics followed by aniseed, sweet pipe tobacco, and wood smoke. The palate is rich and loaded with wild plums, dried orange peel, bay leaf, and sage. This wine is screaming for earthy root vegetable purées or grilled lamb chops and roasted wild mushrooms.
The Pannobile group first formed in 1994 when seven wine-making friends from the same tiny village of Gols banded together to produce a wine from the three red varietals native to their region: Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and St-Laurent. Two more growers joined shortly thereafter, each producing a different blend for each vintage from terroirs approved by the group.
The group strives to produce wine that is considered equal to the other collectible wines of the world, without the inclusion of "International" varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Each grower must present his or her wine to the group at an annual tasting and decides its worthiness, much like the "Special Club" group of grower-producers in Champagne. Pannobile has been enormously successful with the Austrian market and the wines are highly allocated.
Jesse Becker MS, tasted from bottle in San Francisco, 11 April 2011
This is an opaque wine of deep ruby color with a shallow, lighter ruby rim. Viscosity is medium and the glass is stained by the wine. Medium plus intensity on the nose, the wine is youthful with black fruit aromas of macerated blackberry, wild cherry, madjool dates. Non fruits include black licorice, sweet pipe tobacco, and damp woodsmoke. Underlying organic earthiness. On the palate, the wine is medium plus body and dry with black plum skin, stewed black cherry, and dried orange peel. Non fruits include bay leaf and sage, and oak influenced spice and vanilla. Moderate tannins, medium plus acidity, medium alcohol. Polished up front with a lingering, gritty, bittersweet and lifted finish. Overall, juicy, nice depth of flavor and finish. Paired with earthy/rooty flavors of potato, garlic, beets, puree of rutabaga and turnip. Grilled lamb chops, roast venison loin, roasted game birds, cased meats.
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