A new name and a new label, but the content is tried and tested. The former Grande Cuvée now bears the name Josanna in order to better distinguish it from the other Salzl red wines with “Cuvee” in the name. 2020 is the third vintage with this designation.
The red wine Josanna, or formerly the Grande Cuvée, is one of the best-selling wines of the Salzl Seewinkelhof. It consists of the native Zweigelt vine and red wine vines that immigrated from France such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and, since the 2020 vintage, Cabernet Franc. The aging takes place in small wooden barrels before the final Josanna cuvée is put together. As always with Salzl, wooden barrel does not mean taste of tannin. Like all wines from the Salzl family, the wine is charming and balanced, even if the wines have had more bite and structure than their predecessors for 2-3 years.
2020 was once again an excellent red wine year in Burgenland, with powerful and deep-colored wines with a voluminous body. Despite all their strength, they are in excellent balance and have many years of maturation potential ahead of them. The 2020 Josanna has a deep dark color, ruby red with a purple edge. The scent is intense, with notes reminiscent of black cherry fruit, cassis, blueberries and cocoa, then also some herbal spice and the delicate roasted notes of the wooden barrel. Many of these aromas can be found in the taste, the wine has a very good concentration and noticeable but balanced tannins, it is rich, round and juicy.
Peter Moser from Falstaff magazine awards 90-92/100 for the 2019 vintage (2020 not yet rated as of February 2024) and particularly emphasizes the drinking fun.
