The rise and rise of styles of wine like rose or varieties like Pinot Noir has coincided with many wine drinkers tiring of big, rich, high alcohol wines.<\/p>\n
While they still have their place, particularly at this time of year in the depths of winter, they can become a bit too much after a glass or two and struggle as a partner to meals.<\/p>\n
Pinot Noir has firmly established itself as the light red of choice, but sitting behind Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot in terms of consumption; however, for the diehards who have been drinking Pinot for years or decades now, alternatives can be a challenge to find.<\/p>\n
Often it will be a case of looking towards cooler climate examples of other common varieties, while this is a great hunting ground for different expressions of varieties such as Cabernet or Shiraz, they don\u2019t tend to find their natural homes as light, delicate wines.<\/p>\n
While you may not have tried many, if any, Austrian wines, their native grape varieties are perfect examples to explore for a lighter style of red.<\/p>\n
In no small part because of the cool climate and varieties that share both style and parentage with Pinot Noir; the three principal red varieties of Austria being Blaufrankisch, Sankt Laurent and Zweigelt.<\/p>\n
Blaufrankisch<\/strong> Sankt Laurent<\/strong>
\nShares a parent with Pinot Noir (Gouais Blanc) and is often the most \u201cserious\u201d red in Austria. The common thread through these varieties is vibrant acidity, which can help to give the wines great aromatic expressiveness and lively fruit flavours. In this case you will see more spice and little pepperiness that you won\u2019t normally see in a Pinot Noir. Depending on the particular wine, Blaufrankisch may also have a little more body and tannin than most Pinot Noir, but the lively bramble and berry fruits will still jump out of the glass at you.<\/p>\n
\nWhile this variety may taste the closest to Pinot Noir, it doesn\u2019t share any genetic connection. Often a little fuller feeling than Pinot, the great appeal of Sankt Laurent lies in the super silky, soft texture combined with fresh red and dark berries alongside some subtle floral notes and a touch of pepper from time to time. It will jump out of the glass at you with its aromatic intensity and seduce you with its texture.<\/p>\n