Heinrich Naked White 2024

Weingut Heinrich sits in Burgenland, on both sides of Lake Neusiedl in eastern Austria. The fruit for this natural white is drawn from the limestone and schist slopes of the Leitha Mountains on the western shore and the humus rich gravel on the eastern side, a mix that gives both structure and ripeness under the warm Pannonian climate. This is a skin-contact white, left to ferment on its grape skins the way a red is made, which draws phenolics and colour from the skins and gives the wine its amber tone and gentle tannic grip. Ageing on the lees adds a savoury, umami depth and a rounder texture. The nose is complex and oxidative in style, with dried apricot, orange peel, beeswax and dried herbs over a nutty base. The palate is dry and textured rather than fruity, the light skin tannin giving it real presence and a long, saline finish. This is a food wine first. Serve at around 12 to 14 degrees in a broad glass, and decant briefly to let the aromatics open.