Burgenland winemakers, Stephanie and Eduard, at Gut Oggau wine have been making Demeter certified biodynamic wines since 2007.
Producer Profile: Gut Oggau
Gut Oggau, a Burgenland-born natural wine project since 2007, is the brainchild of Eduard Tscheppe and his wife Stephanie Tscheppe-Eselböck. Great wine and fine food runs in the family; Eduard is the son of winemakers in Tyrol, Austria, and Stephanie’s parents are Michelin-starred restaurateurs, so the pair know a thing or two about hospitality, sustainability, and world-class winemaking.
Old Roots
It all started when Eduard and Stephanie bought an old winery that had long since been abandoned. The site itself dates back to the 17th century, and many of its vines are more than sixty years old. They began to restore the site, implementing regenerative farming and biodynamic practices along the way. Because the land had not been used for over twenty years, any trace of chemical uses have long left the soil, allowing the Tscheppe family to begin anew.
Wines with Personality
It’s common for winemakers to refer to their portfolio as a “family” of wines, but Gut Oggau takes that idea one step further. As they saw the personality of each wine come to life in the cellar, they bestowed each one with a name and fictional backstory that fit the personality of the wine.
Their base level cuvées are made up of the “young generation,” three wines that are full of energy, youth, and boldness; then there are the robust “parents” of the young generation, wines that are bolder, richer, and perhaps a bit more powerful with wisdom. Finally, the top-tier cuvées are the “grandparents”: traditional and classy, these are the cream of the crop, grown on single vineyards full of old vines.
Terroir Over Varietals
Eduard and Stephanie prioritize blends over single-varietal wines, choosing to highlight the unique expression of the land rather than a single grape. Using six classic Austrian grape varietals – Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Grüner Veltliner, Welchriesling, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and Gewurtztraminer – they’ve managed to create a lineup of wines that range from the bold to easy-drinking.
The Gut Oggau Family Tree
The Gut Oggau family of wines are organic, biodynamic, and contain no added sulfur. Each family member has a special personality noted in their profiles. While they remain in short supply due to their cult status, we have a selection from each “generation” available:
Theodora
A straw-colored natural white wine that is tropical stone fruit-forward, with notes of honey, cloudy tannins, light acidity, and a citrusy finish!
Grape: Grüner Veltliner , Welschriesling
Tasting Notes: Green apples, apricots, oranges and honey!
Pairing Suggestions: Austrian Schnitzel, Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Salmon, Risotto with Avocado and Arugula
Joshuari
If you haven't had a Blaufränkisch recently, definitely make it this one! 3 weeks on the skins provides stunning complexity and finely-grained tannins.
Grape: Blaufränkisch
Pairing Suggestions: Soft Cheese, Roasted Meats, Heavy Pasta
Tasting Notes: A delicate version with lovely florals with some spice and red fruit.
Josephine
A grape you see less often with Rosler makes this a deep, dark colored red wine, made from 35-year-old vines. Full of dark berries, leather, mushrooms, and beautiful acidity. You'll want to put this with a delicious meal and contemplate! Note: Limit 1/order
Grape: Rosler, Blaufränkisch
Pairing Suggestions: Soft Cheese, Roasted Meats, Heavy Pasta
Mechthild
Aged for two years in old barrels, a light orange natural white wine with citrus fruit flavors, bright acidity, and notes of minerality! This is truly the finest white wine from Gut Oggau, with excellent aging potential and impeccable structure.
Grape: Güner Veltliner
Tasting Notes: Mangoes, unripe pears, orange peels, nutmeg, butterscotch, white pepper, and smoke!
Pairing Suggestions: Broccoli Cheese Bake, Creamy Kale Risotto, Garlic Oysters
Cecilia
A crisp natural rosé with ripe tropical stone fruit flavors, citrusy aromas, and white floral notes. This Austrian field blend is great to pair with grilled meats and fish!
Grape: Gemischter Satz/Field Blend
Tasting Notes: Peach, apricot, pineapple and lemons.
Pairing Suggestions: Fish Schnitzel, Austrian Bosna, Tinned Fish Board
Atanasius
Grape: Colombard
Tasting Notes: Zesty lemon and lime on the palate.
Pairing Suggestions: Tacos, Asian Food, Barbecue
Why we love them
At MYSA, we've loved Gut Oggau since the first time we tried Theodora. In 2019, Nic and Holly, our founders, took a trip to Burgenland, Austria and tried all the natural wines from this region in one of the best Austrian tastings of biodynamically farmed wines they've ever had! We feel honored and delighted to stock them and truly believe they are one of the hype juice producers that are worth the hype and price
