Gernot and Heike Heinrich founded their Burgenland winery in 1990, building it into one of Austria’s leading producers of biodynamic and naturally made wines. The estate farms organically and is certified biodynamic through Demeter and Respekt, with vineyards on both sides of Lake Neusiedl. Naked Red draws on the contrasting sites around the lake, from the limestone and schist slopes of the Leithaberg to the gravelly Parndorfer Platte and humus-rich Heideboden. The focus is on healthy soils, biodiversity and allowing the character of the vineyards and native varieties to come through with minimal intervention.
A blend of Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, the grapes are hand harvested and spontaneously fermented with indigenous yeasts. The wine spends around two weeks macerating on the skins in wooden fermentation vats and stainless steel before ageing for more than a year in wood. The result is a light, juicy red with crunchy cherry and raspberry fruit, subtle herbal and spicy notes, gentle tannins and bright acidity. It is classified by Heinrich as a natural wine and is vegan friendly. Serve slightly cool with charcuterie, pizza, pasta, grilled meats or vegetable dishes.