November brought a mix of aged whites, volcanic reds, and some serious single-vineyard Blaufränkisch. That’s why my favourite wines of November are five bottles which stood out because they’re expressive, balanced, and they each show something important about how grapes, soils, and ageing shape flavour. Most wines I have tasted during Reimagine Pannonia, a whole new project, I will share later; a tasting with St. Donat Estate in Vienna and the Falstaff Rotweingala. Here’s the full line-up, written simply and clearly, without jargon.
Rosi Schuster – Grüner Veltliner Ried Ungerberg 2017
Technical/production notes:
- 100% Grüner Veltliner from Burgenland.
- The vineyard, Ried Ungerberg, has loamy soils with some limestone, which usually gives freshness and structure.
- A small amount of oak ageing adds creaminess.
- Natural, gentle winemaking.
Tasting note:
This is a richer, more layered style of Grüner Veltliner. The nose mixes vanilla, camomile tea, lemon pie, and gentle sweet spices. On the palate the oak becomes slightly more noticeable, adding creaminess, but it never dominates. Think yellow apple, pear, lemon, a touch of butter, and bright acidity that keeps everything lively. Medium-plus body, smooth alcohol, and a long citrusy finish that stays fresh.
Why this wine is interesting:
You often see lighter Grüner Veltliners, but this shows how the grape behaves with a little age and a hint of oak. The extra years in bottle add complexity, and the vineyard’s soils give the wine its structure. A perfect example of how Grüner can age beautifully while keeping its freshness.
Velich – TO 2016
Technical/production notes:
- A blend based mainly on Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Welschriesling from Burgenland.
- Velich uses long, gentle ageing and a slightly oxidative style (meaning more air contact), which adds depth and savoury richness.
- Matured in oak barrels.
Tasting note:
One of those whites you smell once and already know it’s special. Deep and tropical: pineapple, mango, orange, vanilla, and honeysuckle. On the palate, there’s even a light honey-like richness, but the wine stays fully dry. Juicy apricot, ripe pineapple, orange zest, and warm kitchen spices follow through. Medium-plus body, excellent balance, and a long, fresh, orange-toned finish.
Why this wine is interesting:
Velich TO shows how white wines can gain depth through ageing and careful oxygen exposure. The wine becomes more layered, rounder, and more savoury, without losing fruit. It’s a masterclass in turning ripe grapes and oak into something elegant rather than heavy.
Prieler – Blaufränkisch Ried Goldberg 2015
Technical/production notes:
- 100% Blaufränkisch from Ried Goldberg in Leithaberg, a site known for limestone and slate.
- Aged in larger oak barrels for a slow, gentle development.
- Prieler released it after extended ageing.
Tasting note:
A mature, elegant expression. Starts with subtle animal notes, forest berries, and sweet cooking spices. On the palate it’s juicy and ripe, with medium-plus tannins that feel soft and integrated thanks to the wine’s age. Complex, balanced, and long, with a fruity, mouth-watering finish.
Why this wine is interesting:
Blaufränkisch is naturally high in acidity and tannin, which is why it ages so well. After several years, it becomes smoother, deeper, and more savoury. This wine shows exactly how patience transforms a grape often seen as “serious” into something nuanced and wonderfully drinkable.
Szent Donát – Magma 2023
Technical/production notes:
- 100% Kékfrankos from the volcanic soils around Tihany at Lake Balaton.
- Aged for one year in French oak barrels.
- Here, St. Donat focuses on a fresh, fruit-driven style with gentle oak use.
Tasting note:
Light, fruity, and playful at first: blueberries, blackberries, pepper, and a little mint. With air, the spice becomes more pronounced. The palate matches the nose with freshness, ripe but gentle tannins, and a very fruity finish. Easy to drink, but still full of character.
Why this wine is interesting:
Volcanic soils often give red wines extra lift and vibrancy. Magma is a great example of how Kékfrankos can be lighter and energetic without feeling simple. This is a perfect everyday red for people who prefer fresher, juicier styles.
Weingut Mad – M56 Blaufränkisch Ried Marienthal 2022
Technical/production note:
- 100% Blaufränkisch from the single-vineyard Ried Mariental in Oggau (Burgenland).
- A site known for fuller, richer styles thanks to warmer soils.
- At Weingut Mad, it has been aged in oak and made to highlight concentration and power.
Tasting note:
Bold, ripe, and already very expressive. Dark fruits, sweet spices, roasted coffee, and chocolate lead the way. The texture is smooth, the tannins well integrated, and the body fuller. The finish is long and structured, but the wine never feels heavy.
Why this wine is interesting:
M56 shows the opposite side of Blaufränkisch compared to Magma: dense fruit, more power, more depth. Single-vineyard wines like this show how site and soil can shape the grape’s style—here, richness and strength.
Wrapping Up November
November was a month of contrast: aged whites with creaminess and depth, volcanic reds with freshness and lift, and single-vineyard Blaufränkisch showing both elegance and power. These favourite wines of November make it very clear how soil, ageing, and winemaking choices change the final result.
Two wines that summed up the month best:
- Velich TO 2016 – for its rich, layered, tropical depth and perfect balance.
- Prieler Ried Goldberg 2015 – for showing how beautifully Blaufränkisch matures.
If you’re exploring Austria more deeply, these bottles are a strong reminder that the country’s whites and reds both age gracefully and offer huge stylistic diversity.
The Author
I’m definitely craving the Velich 😋
Yes, that is an excellent white. 🙂