You may be familiar with more rudimentary interpretations of this age-old variety of Eastern Europe, or the jug wine Lemberger that your Grandmother used to sip.

Well – this is not your Granny’s wine. Made by the up and coming Austrian winemaker Eric Krutzler, and the daughter of the owner of famed cult winery F.X. Pichler, the ’07 Pichler-Krutzler Weinberg Blaufränkisch drinks more like right-bank, classified Bordeaux than any Austrian red any of us at B7 has had. Dark fruit notes of black current and dark plum with secondary notes of leather, pencil lead, limestone and just a touch of black pepper. Just explodes right out of the glass, and a finish that seems to last forever. Graceful tannins, balanced alcohol and an impressive acid structure.

90/75

We know what your thinking – Styrian Sauvignon Blanc? Well, we suggest you take a chance and try this summer sipping show stopper. The ’08 Tement Sauvignon Klassik from up and coming wunderkind Manfred Tement is all things to all people. A stupendous blend of minerals, gooseberry, cut grass and acid unique to Sancerre, with also the fruit intensity and gulpability of Kiwi Sauv Blanc. It’s sure to crave your thirst as the mercury rises, and gives the sort of pleasure where the bottle is empty before you know it.

40/35  or 13 by the glass

Vouvray can be hit or miss, but this little gem is a priceless value from a region where value can be hard to come by. Slightly sweet with gorgeous, cleansing acidity, stone fruit, wet stones and chalk minerality. Stunning complexity and layers for the price. B7′s ultimate summer value!

29/24