Gut Oggau ‘Timotheus' 2022

This white wine originates from vineyards nearing 40 years of age. Eduard Tscheppe-Eselböck describes Timotheus as characteristically pleasant, laid-back, and lively, truly a charmer. A third of the wine undergoes fermentation on the skins for approximately three weeks, while the rest is directly pressed. The wine undergoes natural fermentation in seasoned 500-liter barrels. After a year of aging, it is bottled in its natural state, unfiltered and without any added sulphur or batonnage.

The Details
Variety - Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder
Country - Austria
Region - Burgenland
Extra - Cork
Year - 2022
Volume - 750ml

Gut Oggau is a 13-hectare wine estate located in the Austrian town of Oggau, close to Lake Neusiedl, Burgenland. It is managed by Eduard Tscheppe and Stephanie Tscheppe-Eselböck. Eduard was influenced by his father, a winemaker in Styria, who imparted a diverse range of wine styles and a rich viticultural education. Similarly, Stephanie grew up immersed in wine culture, her father being the owner of Taubenkobel, a celebrated 2 Michelin star restaurant a short drive from Oggau.

In 2007, the couple acquired the historic Vineyard Wimmer in Oggau, known for its long-standing tradition. They meticulously restored the 17th-century winery and its 200-year-old screw press, which had been dormant for two decades. The vineyard, free from pesticides and chemicals for years, was ripe for an immediate shift to biodynamic farming, now Demeter certified. Striving for excellence, Stephanie and Eduard focus on achieving a natural balance in the vines and handle the grapes with care to fully realize the vineyard's potential. Their 13 hectares of vines, divided into several small plots, are fermented individually, yielding either unique single-vineyard wines or intricate field blends.

The commitment of the Tscheppes to their farming practices is profound. With more than a decade of Demeter biodynamic certification, they apply rigorous attention to detail and a fervent dedication to permaculture, beekeeping, and biodiversity. The vineyards are a testament to their philosophy, with cover crops planted and rolled at maturity to protect the soil and seeds. The land is enriched with compost, grazed by sheep and chickens, treated with biodynamic preparations, and plowed by horse to prevent soil compaction. This labor-intensive and costly approach ensures minimal intervention in the cellar, utilizing a 200-year-old basket press, neutral Austrian oak, and no added sulfur dioxide. The exceptional quality of these wines is a clear reflection of the pristine soil and fruit.