# Ponzichter (2024)

- **Producer:** Franz Weninger
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Burgenland, Austria
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Aromas & flavours:** red fruit, dark fruit, earthy

## About this wine

Franz Weninger's Ponzichter is a captivating light red wine that embodies the spirit of its cross-border Austrian-Hungarian origin. Crafted with certified biodynamic practices and a unique Solera winemaking technique, this wine offers a vibrant and approachable profile. Its name, derived from historical local nicknames, hints at its grounded, rustic charm. With a blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, it presents a medium-light body, lively acidity, and smooth tannins, making it an exceptionally versatile and engaging wine for any table.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Ponzichter' originates from the nickname given to the German-speaking minority in Sopron, Hungary, meaning 'bean growers' for their practice of cultivating vegetables between vines.
- This wine is produced using the Solera system, a method typically associated with Sherry, where older vintages are blended with younger ones to ensure consistency and complexity.
- It is certified biodynamic, reflecting a deep commitment to ecological balance and sustainable farming practices.
- The wine is considered a versatile 'table wine', perfect for a wide range of culinary occasions.

## Food pairing

The Ponzichter's lively acidity, medium-light body, and vibrant fruit profile make it incredibly food-friendly. It can stand up to richer dishes without overpowering them, and its bright character cuts through fattiness and complements savory elements. The smooth tannins offer a gentle grip that works well with proteins.

## Wine making process

The Ponzichter is a testament to Franz Weninger's commitment to natural winemaking. Grapes are cultivated using certified biodynamic methods, ensuring ecological balance. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts kicks off the process. The defining characteristic is the use of the Solera system, blending older and younger wines for complexity and continuity, with aging taking place in well-seasoned, neutral oak casks. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural character and vibrant essence.