89

2011 Gut Oggau Winifred, Burgenland

( POA, 12%, Dynamic Wines )

Made from a field blend of Bläufrankisch and Zweigelt, and with a wonderful burnished rose hue. There’s an exotic aroma of wild strawberries, and attractive herbaceous character to the lightweight fruit. Just when you think this might be another simplistic summer rosé, it builds to a more complex savoury finish.

BuyDrinking window: 2012-2014Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Austria, Rose
90

2010 Gut Oggau Atanasius, Burgenland

( POA, 12%, Dynamic Wines )

Although this is effectively Gut Oggau’s entry level red, there’s quite a serious intent to the dark leathery fruit aromas. The fruit is lively, with blackberries dominating the flavour. Elegant tannins lend gravitas to what is a fairly light style. Sandy/gravel soil.

BuyDrinking window: 2012-2016Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Austria, Red
93

2011 Gut Oggau Timotheus, Burgenland

( POA, 13%, Dynamic Wines )

Just like the caricature on the label, this is a big broad wine. White peaches, apricot and kiwi flavours are all brilliantly knitted together with a moreish creamy, nutty texture. Some skin contact and maturation in large, old oak barrels has provided body and structure.

It’s different enough to make you sit up and notice, without being remotely scary or “difficult”. Limestone soil.

BuyDrinking window: 2013-2020Similar Wines: £20-£30, 91-95, Austria, White, Grüner Veltliner
89

2011 Gut Oggau Emmeran, Burgenland

( POA, 13.5%, Dynamic Wines )

This is the only wine in the Gut Oggau range which defines itself by a single grape variety. There’s no mistaking the Gewurztraminer on the nose: delicate rose petal and intense lychee aromas dominate. The limestone soil has given this a satisfying “wet stone” finish. It’s bone dry, with just enough acidity to keep things fresh.

BuyDrinking window: 2012-2014Similar Wines: £20-£30, 86-90, Austria, White, Gewürztraminer
95

2007 Nikolaihof Steiner Hund Reserve, Kremstal

( £45, 12.5%, Berry Bros & Rudd )

This brilliant biodynamic estate is based in the Wachau on the “wrong” side of the Danube, but this wine hails from vineyards in neighbouring Kremstal. It’s an incredible Riesling: intense, focused and minerally with remarkable texture, density and concentration. Honey, white flowers and a stony undertow, with spice, creamy lees and a finish that lasts for minutes. The wine will develop for at least another decade in bottle.

BuyDrinking window: 2012-20Similar Wines: £30-£50, 91-95, Austria, White, Grüner Veltliner

A ferment about Furmint

by Matt Walls
To be sung to the tune of ‘Start Wearing Purple’ by Gogol Bordello: “Start drinking Furmint drinking Furmint, Start drinking Furmint for me now, All your sanity – and wits...