Claus Preisinger Bonsai 2023

A really light pinot-like expression of Blaufrankisch. It develops from delicate fruit to produce a powerful, yet still feather-light, structural, textural, playful wine that really leaves you thinking and wondering and warm inside. 11.5% abv.

For such a quiet dude that kinda keeps to himself Claus has made a big splash in the world of natural winemaking. The wines are actually beautifully reflective of the man too, minimalist, focused, somewhat reserved but overwhelmingly charming. Claus's wines were my (and I think many others) gateway drug into not only Austrian natural wines but also Eastern/Central European wines in general.

He has ~19 hectares of vineyards and a really smartly designed modern, and of course, minimalist winery (and quite a good record collection too...). The vineyards are spread on the east side of Lake Neusiedl over three villages. The production is focused on the indigenous grape varieties Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Merlot is back up for the blends and Pinot Noir is amusement.

"The wines are my image of the nature. I try not to influence artificially in the vineyard and cellar. Also if I could amend the wine, I do not, because I want to show, what nature gives.

Small, native, none globalized, unconsulted (or personal). Emotion, passion, instinct, nose, mouth and to act spontaneously.”" - Claus Preisinger