Christian Tschida Brutal White

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Burgenland, Austria

Grapes: Gemischter Satz, Chenin Blanc

Alcohol: 12.5%

Until now, Christian Tschida reserved his 'Brutal' label strictly for Pinot Noir, but the 2022 vintage brings us this cracking white version. Sourced from his Purbacher vineyards in Burgenland, it is a classic Gemischter Satz field blend featuring a clever splash of Chenin Blanc. The grapes are grown and harvested together before spending 40 months resting on the lees in large wooden barrels. Tschida keeps the winemaking completely hands-off and skips the added sulphur entirely, proving that even a demanding vintage can produce an incredible bottle when left in the right hands.

Expect a soft, flinty reduction when you first pull the cork, which quickly blows off to reveal freshly squeezed lime, grapefruit, and bright mandarin orange. Thanks to that touch of Chenin Blanc, there is a distinct waxy quality alongside notes of quince, ripe yellow apple, and a surprisingly subtle background hint of curry spice. The extended lees ageing gives the wine a wonderfully creamy texture that perfectly balances its firm phenolics, zesty lemon sherbet energy, and a crisp, wet stone finish.