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2.3: Fränkly Speaking with Georg Prieler and Katja Scharnagl
Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of TRINKTalks! In this episode, we explore the Austrian red wine your somm is obsessed with (but you’re not drinking!). We are joined by NYC-based sommelier Katja Scharnagl and renowned winemaker Georg Prieler for a deep dive into the world of Blaufränkisch.
From the limestone and schist soils of the Leithaberg to the high-energy dining rooms of New York City, our guests discuss why this "insider favorite" is finally ready for the global stage. Katja shares her secret for describing the grape to newcomers—as the "baby" of Pinot Noir and Syrah—while Georg explains his philosophy as a farmer focused on finesse over power.
If you would rather read the transcript you can!
Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences.
ABOUT TODAY'S GUESTS
Georg Prieler is a fifth-generation winemaker and the current head of Weingut Prieler, a legendary estate located in Schützen am Gebirge in the Burgenland region of Austria. Since taking over the family estate in 2011, Georg has solidified his reputation as an "icon producer" of Blaufränkisch and Pinot Blanc. His winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in the unique limestone and mica-schist soils of the Leithaberg DAC, where he produces site-specific wines that emphasize elegance and precision over power. He is widely recognized for his work in the celebrated Goldberg vineyard, often cited as one of the finest expressions of Blaufränkisch in the world.
Katja Scharnagl is a leading voice in the international sommelier scene and the Beverage Director at Koloman, a highly acclaimed restaurant in New York City. Originally from the village of Spitz in Austria’s Wachau Valley, Katja grew up surrounded by her family's winery and hospitality traditions. Before her current role at Koloman, she spent a decade at the three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin, where she rose to the position of Chef Sommelier under the mentorship of Aldo Sohm. An Advanced Sommelier (CMS), Katja also runs Katja Consulting, where she helps collectors and enthusiasts navigate the world of fine wine with a focus on education and storytelling.
ABOUT TRINK
TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
LEARN MORE:
https://www.facebook.com/trinkmag
https://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/
https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/
ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKS
Valerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild.
Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated.
Thanks for listening & keep Trinking!
View all episodes
By TRINK Magazine
5
99 ratings
Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of TRINKTalks! In this episode, we explore the Austrian red wine your somm is obsessed with (but you’re not drinking!). We are joined by NYC-based sommelier Katja Scharnagl and renowned winemaker Georg Prieler for a deep dive into the world of Blaufränkisch.
From the limestone and schist soils of the Leithaberg to the high-energy dining rooms of New York City, our guests discuss why this "insider favorite" is finally ready for the global stage. Katja shares her secret for describing the grape to newcomers—as the "baby" of Pinot Noir and Syrah—while Georg explains his philosophy as a farmer focused on finesse over power.
If you would rather read the transcript you can!
Consider joining the TRINK community. Read up on our subscriptions and unlock exclusive wine content, benefits, and experiences.
ABOUT TODAY'S GUESTS
Georg Prieler is a fifth-generation winemaker and the current head of Weingut Prieler, a legendary estate located in Schützen am Gebirge in the Burgenland region of Austria. Since taking over the family estate in 2011, Georg has solidified his reputation as an "icon producer" of Blaufränkisch and Pinot Blanc. His winemaking philosophy is deeply rooted in the unique limestone and mica-schist soils of the Leithaberg DAC, where he produces site-specific wines that emphasize elegance and precision over power. He is widely recognized for his work in the celebrated Goldberg vineyard, often cited as one of the finest expressions of Blaufränkisch in the world.
Katja Scharnagl is a leading voice in the international sommelier scene and the Beverage Director at Koloman, a highly acclaimed restaurant in New York City. Originally from the village of Spitz in Austria’s Wachau Valley, Katja grew up surrounded by her family's winery and hospitality traditions. Before her current role at Koloman, she spent a decade at the three-Michelin-starred Le Bernardin, where she rose to the position of Chef Sommelier under the mentorship of Aldo Sohm. An Advanced Sommelier (CMS), Katja also runs Katja Consulting, where she helps collectors and enthusiasts navigate the world of fine wine with a focus on education and storytelling.
ABOUT TRINK
TRINKTalks has been brought to you by TRINK Magazine, an independent quarterly digital publication exploring the “German-speaking wines” of Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
LEARN MORE:
https://www.facebook.com/trinkmag
https://www.instagram.com/trink_magazine/
https://x.com/magazinetrink?lang=en
https://www.linkedin.com/company/trink-magazine/
ABOUT THE HOSTS OF TRINK TALKS
Valerie Kathawala specializes in the wine cultures, traditions, and innovations of Germany, Austria, South Tyrol, and Switzerland, as well as those closer to her home in New York City. Her work appears in the pages of Noble Rot, The Art of Eating, SevenFifty Daily, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Pipette, Glug, Pellicle and a number of other publications. She is the co-founder and co-editor of the wine magazine TRINK. She is currently at work researching and writing a new course (2025) on German wines for the Wine Scholar Guild.
Paula Redes Sidore moves smoothly between the worlds of wine and words. She is a double-certified sommelier, through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, she founded Weinstory, a creative content and translation agency dedicated to transposing the world of German-speaking wine into English. She is the German and Austrian regional specialist for jancisrobinson.com and a member of the Circle of Wine Writers. Paula has a Masters degree in fiction writing, and her work has been featured in jr.com, Sevenfifty Daily, Feinschmecker, and Heated.
Thanks for listening & keep Trinking!