Weingut Kopfensteiner’s Blaufränkisch Szapary DAC Reserve 2011, from Eisenberg’s Szapary vineyard, embodies Burgenland’s iron-rich terroir. Run by Thomas and Astrid Kopfensteiner, the estate has honed Blaufränkisch into an art form since the 1990s. Szapary’s clay and schist soils yield wines of intensity and finesse. The 2011 vintage, marked by a warm growing season, produced ripe, concentrated grapes. Hand-harvested, the fruit underwent spontaneous fermentation and extended skin contact, followed by 22 months in barriques. Deep ruby with garnet edges, the nose bursts with black plum, cassis, and violets, layered with graphite, black pepper, and smoky minerality. Oak adds subtle toast and spice. Full-bodied yet elegant, the palate reveals robust tannins, vibrant acidity (5.7 g/L), and rich fruit, with earthy and herbal nuances. The finish is long, with iron-driven minerality. Organic practices and minimal intervention ensure authenticity. Ideal for venison or charcuterie, this 1,200-bottle reserve peaks now but holds through 2027, developing forest floor notes. A bold expression of Eisenberg’s DAC legacy.