Judith Beck Blaufränkisch 2023

Judith Beck took over her family winery in Gols, on the eastern side of Burgenland near the Neusiedlersee, in 2004, and farms her 15 hectare estate biodynamically. She is a member of Pannobile, a group of nine Gols growers focused on site-expressive wines from local varieties. Blaufränkisch is Austria's leading red grape and a late ripener that retains marked acidity, which here gives a wine of 12.8 percent alcohol with real freshness. The warm Pannonian climate ripens the fruit, while the proximity of the lake and cool nights preserve acidity and the grape's peppery, spicy character. Biodynamic farming keeps the soils alive and the vines balanced, and the wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged in wood, with the emphasis on fruit and drinkability rather than heavy oak. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, redcurrant and a floral, rose-like lift over a savoury, earthy base, and the palate is light to medium bodied with crunchy red fruit, fresh acidity and gentle tannins. The black pepper note that marks Blaufränkisch runs through the finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees. It is a good match for duck, roast pork and mushroom dishes. The wine is certified organic and vegan.