Judith Beck Neuburger Bambule (Skin Contact White Wine) 2019

Judith Beck Neuburger Bambule! Biodynamic production, natural wine at its purest, lowish acidity, yet with crunchy herb and full of energy. This is a true natural wine (Bambule referring to some sort of protest or revolution) so has something a bit wild about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not approachable and extremely drinkable. Unfiltered, unfined and with no added sulphites. Neuburger is an autochthonous, Austrian grape variety, that has its origins in Wachau area and is also grown in the Czech Republic. It has been cultivated in Burgenland for a very long time, especially around lake Neusiedlersee. It’s not a popular grape as yeilds are unstable and very low and it is a grape variety with a naturally low acidity, that’s why Beck like to work with skin macerations of 5-10 days which adds texture and makes up for the lack of acid. By doing this they obtain very intense, almost exotic fruit flavours and a rich almost toffee apple like character. The wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation and is then allowed to mature for 12 months in large used wooden barrels and then bottles for the same amount of time.

The Judith Beck winery is a 15 hectare estate in Gols in Austria's Burgenland. They have been farming biodynamically since 2007.  The aim to respect the environment and produce the best quality grapes they can.  They use native Austrian varieties and some international grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc.

Judith Beck studied abroad at places like Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux and Errazuriz in Chile.  She returned home to take over the winery from her father and moved in the direction of natural winemaking.  In the vineyard they encourage the formation of humus as a basis of healthy soils.  They use their own natural composts and cultivate grass between the rows. Herbal remedies are also used and the vines are maintained following the rhythms of the moon and biodynamic calender.  They don't use  any inoculated yeasts of any kind, they minimise sulphur, fining and filtration. The Bambule range which is all zero sulphur and certified biodynamic, epitomising this philosophy.

These methods and ideas are what we look for at Buon Vino and the wines are really delicious.  They are fresh, drinkable and also great value for money.  The Burgenland is now firmly planted in the world of wine as one of  the coolest places to make wine and natural production is flourishing.  Many of the wines are pretty pricy and Judith Beck maintains her position as making some of the best value wines in the area.