Judith Beck Bambule! Neuburger 2022

Judith Beck farms biodynamically in Burgenland, near the warming influence of the Neusiedlersee, and Bambule is her natural take on Neuburger, a native Austrian grape rarely seen because of its low yield. The wine is fermented and aged for twelve months in clay amphorae, a vessel that allows slow, gentle oxygen exchange through the porous walls without adding any oak flavour. Extended skin contact and that long amphora ageing extract phenolics and tannin from the skins, building the amber colour, the savoury depth and the structural grip that define the style. Native yeasts and an organic, vegan cellar regime keep the focus on the fruit and the place. The wine is deep amber. The nose is layered, with fresh peach and apricot over beeswax, dried herbs and a touch of earthy ferment character. The palate is dry and broad, the tannins fine but present, carrying orange peel and a nutty, almond note into a savoury finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a generous glass.