Mac Forbes Austrian Release

After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to have the new vintages of these two, delicious wines now in stock. Some of our customers may not be aware that, in addition to his first-rate Yarra and Strathbogie labels, Mac makes and imports a pair of fabulous Austrian wines: indigenous varietals created from fruit grown in the Carnuntum growing region of Austria. It was in this region that a younger Forbes plied his trade as a consultant flying winemaker. His experience led to him to produce some of his own Austrian wines and these 2009’s represent the third and finest release thus far.

For those without intimate knowledge of Austria, the Carnuntum zone stretches from Vienna in the west to the border of the Slovak Republic in the east. The vineyards are primarily spread out over three prime hilltops and lie south of the climate-moderating Danube River. More specifically, Mac sources his fruit from one of the oldest sites, the Spitzberg, a beautiful, sloping vineyard that traces its origins back to Celtic times. Planted mainly to the red Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, with Grüner Veltliner as well, the vineyards bask in a continental climate - warm summers and cold winters with significant, flavour capturing, diurnal temperature variation. The rich soils consist mostly of stoney, dense loam and loess. The resulting wines, made with Mac’s usual ‘minimal intervention’ approach, are intense, racy and full of personality. In short, they are bloody good!
 Interestingly, Mac is also excited by the potential of both these varieties in Australia and so has recently planted Blaufränkisch vines in Wesburn, Upper Yarra, and plans to plant some Grüner later this year. It will be fascinating to compare the local versions with the imported. In the meantime we’re more than happy to make do with the two delectable and classy imports below.

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