Review: Pfaffl Rossern Chardonnay 2004

The low-down: We're in Austria for a week and are keenly sampling some of their local treats. While the Austrian wine scene is most known for its riesling, we've decided to try out a chardonnay this evening. It's 11 years old and delivered with a whopping ABV of 14.5%.

Pfaffl are a brother/sister partnership making wine grown from 10 different villages (90 ha) in total across Vienna and southern Austria. This chardonnay sources grapes from the Rossern vineyards in southern Austria. There's 18 months of oaking in the wine-making process as well.

We picked this up retailing from Doeller in Golling, Austria for 31 Euros.

The take: A striking, honey color, transparent. The nose is strong with candied lemon, burnt toast, nuts, peat and polished wood. The attack is alcoholic, sugary and initially sharp with acidity. Over time it settles and becomes smoother and creamier, but the alcohol and sharp, acidic bite remains.

In closing: No shrinking violet.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

Fact corner:

Country: Austria

Region: Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)

Producer: Pfaffl

Vintage: 2004

Grape: Chardonnay

Alcohol content: 14.5%

Serving temperature: 12-14°C

Price range: Mid-range

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