Gut Oggau Josephine 2022

Josephine is a natural red wine from Burgenland in Austria, made by Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe at Gut Oggau from Blaufränkisch and Roesler. The estate has farmed biodynamically since 2007, with a limited output of around 18,000 bottles a year and a family of characters running across its labels. Blaufränkisch is the leading red of Burgenland, a late ripening variety that gives medium bodied, peppery wines with bright acidity, and the warm Neusiedlersee climate moderated by the lake ripens it while holding that freshness. Farmed without synthetic inputs and made with minimal intervention, the fruit is fermented on its skins for colour and grip, then the wine is aged eighteen months in 500 litre French oak casks, larger formats that allow gentle oxidation and integrate the tannins without adding obvious oak flavour. It is bright ruby, the nose showing red cherry and wild berries with black pepper, dried herbs and an earthy edge, the palate fresh and savoury with fine, lively tannins, a touch of liquorice and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits poultry, pork and earthy dishes.