Larry Jacobs is one of those characters that makes the wine industry fun. He’s fast building a European varietal stronghold in the hills above Hahndorf, the pretty Germanic town not far out of Adelaide. Along with this Blaufrankisch, Hahndorf Hill produce an excellent Grüner Veltliner (GRU) and Zweigelt. This wine came with a hand written note for all the tech specs, proof that Larry cares.

Hahndorf Hill, “Blueblood” Blaufrankisch, Adelaide Hills, 2013

Lovely bright purple in the glass. A nose of pretty violets, blueberry jam, mulberries and a touch of woody spice.

Blue and light red fruits weave in and out among spiced cherries. Not quite as fruit sweet as the nose suggests, there’s a lovely blueberry tartness. So easy on the palate: the alcohol provides a satin sheen, and there’s enough firm tannins to be exceptionally food friendly. A lovely diversion from Pinot Noir.

RRP: $40

Alc: 14%

Sample courtesy of Hanhdorf Hill Wines