Christian Tschida Felsen II

Vintage: 2023

Origin: Burgenland, Austria

Grapes: Syrah

Alcohol: 12%

Grown on chalky limestone near the shores of Lake Neusiedl, this Syrah comes from hand-harvested vines in the Leithaberg region. Christian Tschida uses a traditional foot-trod crushing approach, a gentle press, and a long maceration before letting the wine mature for a year in large 1,200-litre wooden barrels. Bottled with zero added sulphur, it hits the glass with a lively, slightly spritzy energy before settling into a cool, light-footed rhythm.

Juicy cassis and young dark fruits lead the way, layered with a savoury touch of tobacco and black olive. On the nose, you get an enticing hit of smoke and warm spice like pepper and cinnamon, while the palate stays elegant, lively, and crisp. It finishes with a stony mineral line and a hint of smokiness that pulls you right back for another sip.