Judith Beck, Koreea

Koreaa is essentially a Gemischter Satz or field blend, composing of co-fermented Grüner Veltliner, Scheurebe, Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Muskat and some Zweigelt, all grown near Lake Heideboden on the regions famous seewinkelschotter soil, ancient silt, sand and gravel stones from an ancient lake bed. This is an extraordinary bone-dry white, which takes you in all sorts of directions. 2-day skin maceration in old oak, before pressing, spontaneous wild yeast ferment and maturation for 6 months in old oak barrels on its lees. The nose is herbal spiced, candied orange, tropical yellow fruits with a touch of honey, an oily mouth-filling palate, lush yet with great balancing acidity. One you just keep coming back to in the glass. WEINGUT JUDITH BECK, GOLS, Burgenland Biodynamic, Natural Judith Beck’s winery is run as a family business. Since 1976 the area under vine increased from 5 to 15 ha. Most of the vineyards are situated at the Wagram of the Parndorfer Plate, the most important site of the region. And from 2007 Judith has produced wines in accordance with biodynamic principles. The winery is housed in an impressive airy new building in the middle of the vineyards from Gols. Now the emphasis is on refining the style whilst capturing the potential of the grapes. Judith is passionate about the traditional red wine varieties: Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Judith is an impressively calm, thoughtful person and that sense of relaxation seems to transmit itself into her wines, which possess a lightness of touch not always apparent in this region.