Gols, Burgenland, Austria
“I seriously believe in this low-intervention winemaking and I am going to continue like that. For me this is not about a trend, but a deeply held commitment.”
- Judith Beck
The Judith Beck estate is based in the Burgenland commune of Gols, in the Neusiedlersee region, on the eastern – and warmest — side of Lake Neusiedl. Gols is part of the larger Burgenland region in easternmost Austria, which enjoys a very warm climate defined by the Pannonian plain to the east and the Lake. Indeed, this is Austria’s warmest wine growing area, the first to harvest, and the production center of its finest full-bodied, dry red wines. Judith’s parents, Matthias and Christine Beck, founded the family estate in 1976. Judith Beck made her first vintage in 2001 and in 2004 she assumed full control of the winery. After graduating from the Klosterneuburg Viniculture College Judith Beck gained international experience at world-renowned wineries, including Chateau Cos d’Estournel in Bordeaux, Braida in Piedmont and Errazuriz in Chile. Managing the family winery comes naturally to Judith who has an innate “sixth-sense” feel for the regional varieties Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. Judith Beck’s wines are at once elegant, fruit forward and complex expressions of her vineyards. They are pure and vivid expressions of the varietal and the unique vintage character.
Blaufränkisch is a grape mostly planted in Hungary and Austria, where it has been cultivated since the 18th century. This wine also gets 8-10 months of aging in old oak in two phases. Beck makes only 500 cases of this cuvée and it is superb. It has a chewy, plush texture with generous dark cherry, cassis and plum fruit nuanced by herbs and a touch of minerality. This is a great example of how Austrian wines can have both finesse and drinkability. A deliciously light red that really packs a punch with flavour with a smooth, supple palate. The tannins are soft and the finish is spicy and fruity. This highly versatile wine complements virtually all types of food and cuisines. Pair with any red meat stew, Blue Cheese, Rich Ragouts or Sauces, and Spicy Foods.