Judith Beck Pannobile 2013 is a refined blend of Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt from Burgenland, Austria. Mature and elegant with aromas of dark cherry, plum, spice, and earthy minerality, showing fine tannins and a long, balanced finish. The Judith Beck estate is based in the Burgenland commune of Gols, in the Neusiedlersee region, on the eastern – and warmest — side of the 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. Lake Neusiedl’s depth is only 1.5 meters and its water temperature can reach 90 degrees F. in the summer. Indeed, this is Austria’s warmest wine growing area, the first to harvest, and the production centre 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 owns a total of 13.5 hectares of vines in Gols, with holdings in the vineyard sites of Altenberg, Gabarinza, Salzberg and Schafleiten. 85% of the area is planted to red varieties – Blauer Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir and Merlot, with the remaining 15% planted to white varieties – Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. In addition, grapes are brought in from another 5 hectares in the communes of Apetlon, Halbturn and Winden, and used in the production of the basic red wines. Vines are planted at high densities of up to 7,000 vines per hectare to limit yields and ensure ripe fruit at harvest time. Soils range from loam and clay on the lower vineyards to limestone, higher up on the ridges. All grapes are hand-harvested. The Becks built a new modern and functional winery and ageing cellar in 2005. It allows Judith to manipulate her wines as little as possible in the vinification process, resulting in wines that show the pure and vivid expression of the varietal and the unique vintage character. Judith Beck’s wines are at once elegant, fruit-forward and complex expressions of her vineyards. Type: Red Country: Austria Region: Burgenland Grape Variety: Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt Alcohol Percentage: 13% Viticulture: Natural Wine | Biodynamic | Certified Organic | Vegan Friendly Climate: Warm climate defined by the Pannonian Plain to the east and the Lake Terroir: Zweigelt grapes used for making wine are grown on loamy granite soils of a biodynamic vineyard of 4 hectares. The average age of the vines is 20-25 years Ageing: Harvested by hand and crushed. The wort is subjected to spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, maceration for 2 weeks and pressing. Excerpt held in old oak barrels for 12 months. Bottling is preceded by very easy filtration, so over time a natural sediment may fall out on the bottom of the bottle Color: Wine rich ruby colour with a purple rim around the edge of the glass Nose: The bright aroma of the wine is filled with expressive shades of sour cherries Palate: Fresh, lively, with soft tannins, juicy cherry tones and elegant spiciness in the aftertaste
