- 2003 Langmann Blauer Wildbacher Reserve - Austria, Styria, Weststeiermark (3/30/2009)
12,5% abv; c.10€; label; like the rosé, also from the Hochgrail-vineyard, though it doesn't say so on the label. Apparently aged for 30 months in Barriques, but I am surprised about that. The scent isn't primarily oaky, but has an enchanting mix of red and dark forest berries - its pure berry aromas are quite surprising (and captivating) to this first time imbiber of the grape. It is very volatile at first, but calms down after a couple hours open. Air also brings to the scent a lovely touch of earth and vegetation. The palate isn't as wild as I was led to believe from some descriptions of this grape, though it does have pretty strong but palate-cleansing tannins (it reminds me of the 2001 Barolos at the moment) and strong acidity despite the heat-wave year (the juicy acidity that the berry aromas promised were fully realised). I don't know how red Blauer Wildbachers age, but I won't be surprised from this bottle if the answer is very well. I loved this wine. - 2007 Langmann Blauer Wildbacher Schilcher Hochgrail - Austria, Styria (3/30/2009)
12,5% abv; 8,9g/l acidity; 3,6g/l RS; 10€; label. Deep pink. It smells of minerals, earth and sweet strawberries but it also has a tart berry scent that promises real bite and zip on the palate. And it is, indeed, deliciously acidic, but fruity, too, so it isn't as extreme as I had read this grape should be. Lovely minerality. Lovely wine.
It is a specialty of (mostly West) Steiermark, usually made into sparkling (schilchersekt) or still rosé (schilcher), rarely to red. It is known for its ferocious acidity (which is why I have spent a couple years tracking them down 
) and attractive berry aromas. I have one rosé to go, that I'll probably open up sometime this week. And I am very much looking forward to it.
