Region: Burgenland (Neusiedlersee), Austria Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Franc-Blanc (Co-ferment) Body: Medium Notes: Fresh black currant, wild raspberry, crushed graphite, bell pepper, dried herbs, and dark floral notes, with a silky texture, bright mineral tension, and a long, pure finish Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, herb-crusted lamb chops, roasted duck, wild mushroom dishes, or grilled pork tenderloin
The Producer
Christian Tschida is a legendary natural winemaker operating out of Illmitz in the Neusiedlersee region of Burgenland, Austria. Managing 14 hectares of dry-farmed vineyards planted on sandy gravel, schist, and limestone, Christian approaches winemaking with a meticulous, artistic philosophy. He prefers minimal intervention, allowing the vines to grow wild and competing naturally for nutrients. In the cellar, his methods are legendary: gentle foot-treading, long spontaneous fermentations with ambient yeasts, aging in custom-built 1,400 to 3,000-liter Stockinger oak casks, and aging without racking. Bottled zero-zero without fining, filtration, or added sulfur, his wines are celebrated globally for their incredible purity, lightness, and texture.
The Wine
"Kapitel I" (Chapter 1) is a benchmark expression of Cabernet Franc from Tschida's limestone and gravel plots near Lake Neusiedl. Co-fermented with a small portion of white juice (Franc-Blanc) to lift aromatics and soften weight, the hand-picked grapes are lightly foot-trodden and fermented on the skins before undergoing extended aging in neutral Stockinger casks. The 2023 vintage exemplifies Tschida's signature weightless intensity; it masterfully pairs vibrant aromas of dark berries, crushed stone, and subtle herbal spice with fine, gossamer tannins, energetic acidity, and a seamless, elegant finish.
Region: Burgenland (Neusiedlersee), Austria Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Franc-Blanc (Co-ferment) Body: Medium Notes: Fresh black currant, wild raspberry, crushed graphite, bell pepper, dried herbs, and dark floral notes, with a silky texture, bright mineral tension, and a long, pure finish Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, herb-crusted lamb chops, roasted duck, wild mushroom dishes, or grilled pork tenderloin
The Producer
Christian Tschida is a legendary natural winemaker operating out of Illmitz in the Neusiedlersee region of Burgenland, Austria. Managing 14 hectares of dry-farmed vineyards planted on sandy gravel, schist, and limestone, Christian approaches winemaking with a meticulous, artistic philosophy. He prefers minimal intervention, allowing the vines to grow wild and competing naturally for nutrients. In the cellar, his methods are legendary: gentle foot-treading, long spontaneous fermentations with ambient yeasts, aging in custom-built 1,400 to 3,000-liter Stockinger oak casks, and aging without racking. Bottled zero-zero without fining, filtration, or added sulfur, his wines are celebrated globally for their incredible purity, lightness, and texture.
The Wine
"Kapitel I" (Chapter 1) is a benchmark expression of Cabernet Franc from Tschida's limestone and gravel plots near Lake Neusiedl. Co-fermented with a small portion of white juice (Franc-Blanc) to lift aromatics and soften weight, the hand-picked grapes are lightly foot-trodden and fermented on the skins before undergoing extended aging in neutral Stockinger casks. The 2023 vintage exemplifies Tschida's signature weightless intensity; it masterfully pairs vibrant aromas of dark berries, crushed stone, and subtle herbal spice with fine, gossamer tannins, energetic acidity, and a seamless, elegant finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.