Sarah Jane Evans MW's top Austrian DAC wines

Mittelburgenland DAC (2,117ha): Blaufräankisch

Only for red wines. Mittelburgenland DAC wines are bright and juicy  with red cherry fruit and spicy notes when young, grown on deep loamy  soils. Reserve wine are bigger styles, often with oak influence, which may dominate. Launched from 2005 vintage.

Wines to try:

Heinrich Mittelburgenland DAC Blaufräankisch 2009

With the move to the next generation the wines at this winery are continuing  to improve. This one has dried sour cherries and dark plums: Heinrich reveals  the depth of character of the cheerful Blaufräankisch. 16pts/20
Price: £14.95; Liberty, Corks Out, The Good Wine Shop, Swig, Slurp
Drink: Now to 2013.
Alc: 12.5%