# Pia und die starken Männer (2020)

- **Producer:** Weingut Strehn
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Blaufränkisch
- **Region:** Burgenland, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, black pepper, violet, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, toast, cloves, leather, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Weingut Strehn is located in Deutschkreutz, in the heart of Austria's Mittelburgenland, a region affectionately known as 'Blaufränkischland' due to its ideal clay soils and warm Pannonian climate. The estate is run by Pia Strehn alongside her brothers, who together bring a modern, energetic approach to traditional Austrian winemaking. 'Pia und die starken Männer' (Pia and the Strong Men) is a playful tribute to this family collaboration, showcasing the depth, structure, and vibrant character that old-vine Blaufränkisch can achieve under their meticulous care.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's name translates to 'Pia and the Strong Men,' a humorous nod to winemaker Pia Strehn and her three brothers who run the estate.
- Mittelburgenland's heavy clay soils act like a sponge, retaining water to keep the vines hydrated during hot, dry Austrian summers.
- While Pia Strehn is highly celebrated for her world-class rosés, this cuvée highlights her mastery of serious, age-worthy red wines.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and robust tannin structure of Blaufränkisch make it an exceptional partner for rich, fatty meats. The wine's dark cherry and black pepper notes beautifully mirror the gamey flavors of venison, duck, and lamb, while the structural acidity cuts through heavy sauces and rich proteins, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from sustainably managed vineyards in Deutschkreutz. Following careful sorting, the grapes undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the vibrant primary fruit characteristics. The wine is then aged in a combination of used and new French oak barriques and larger wooden casks for several months. This wood contact softens the naturally high acidity and firm tannins of the Blaufränkisch grape, adding complexity and integration without overpowering the fruit.