Austria produces some really nice red wines, but grape names such as zweigelt and blaufränkisch haven't exactly helped sell them. Maybe a delicious blend like the 2013 Höpler "Pannonica" ($15) will do the trick. It's a juicy, spicy, just-ripe concoction (40 percent blaufränkisch, 35 percent zweigelt, 25 percent pinot noir) that rolls robustly across the palate and finishes with great harmony and purity. The name refers to the region's heritage: Pannonia was a Roman Empire province bordered to the north and east by the Danube River. This wine is made for pork cooked in about any fashion, and will be great to have around when the winter squash starts coming in.
Wine of the week: 2013 Höpler "Pannonica"
August 29, 2015 at 7:00PM
Available at Tournament, North Loop, BrightWines, Stinson, Thomas, South Lyndale, France 44 and most Haskell's stores.
BILL WARD
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Lefse-wrapped Swedish wontons, a soothing bowl of rice porridge and a gravy-laden commercial filled our week with comfort and warmth.
