Gut Oggau Joschuari 2022

Gut Oggau is run by Eduard and Stephanie Tscheppe in the village of Oggau in Burgenland, Austria, where the vineyards are farmed biodynamically under Demeter certification and the wines are made with minimal cellar intervention. Joschuari is one of the estate's named characters and is built from Blaufränkisch, the region's signature dark grape, grown on the limestone and schist soils around the Neusiedlersee. Blaufränkisch holds acidity well and gives wines a peppery, savoury cut alongside its red and dark fruit, and the natural, low-intervention approach here keeps that freshness intact. Fermentation relies on the grapes' own yeasts, with ageing in wood that adds structure rather than overt oak. The wine is medium ruby, with a nose of red cherry, red currant, plum and crushed black pepper over a dried-herb and earthy base. The palate is medium bodied and lively, the tannins fine and the acidity bright, finishing dry and savoury. Serve at 16 degrees, decanting briefly to let the natural fruit settle. It works with roast pork, duck and earthy mushroom dishes.