Gober & Freinbichler "Chill!"

Dominik Gober and Gerald Freinbichler are two young, rising stars of Austria's natural wine movement, friends who met working in the cellar of respected Burgenland producer Franz Weninger. Together they hold choice parcels in Neckenmarkt, in southern Burgenland near the celebrated Moric estate, farming certified organically and biodynamically. While best known for producing some of the most transparent, elegant Blaufränkisch for the money, "Chill!" represents a more playful, effortlessly drinkable side of their portfolio. The blend is built mainly around Zweigelt (also known as Rotburger, Austria's most widely planted red grape and a crossing of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent), rounded out with Merlot and Blaufränkisch. Fermentation happens spontaneously with native yeasts, followed by maturation entirely in stainless steel, no oak influence here, before bottling unfined, unfiltered, and with only minimal added sulfur. The result is remarkably light on its feet, floating across the palate at just 11.5% alcohol. In the glass, expect a vividly bright ruby color and a fresh, aromatic nose of dark fruit, blackberry and plum, layered with herbaceous, savory undertones. The Zweigelt lends the wine its dark-fruited force, while the Merlot and Blaufränkisch add mid-palate weight, herbal complexity, and even a whisper of smoke and salami-like savoriness. Lively acidity and soft, dry tannins carry through to a clean, refreshing finish that lingers gently. True to its name, this is a red built to be served slightly chilled, a graceful, buoyant, easy-drinking style perfect for grilled meats, charcuterie, Mediterranean fare like lamb kebabs or herb-roasted vegetables, or simply on its own on a warm afternoon. A genuinely serious, well-made wine from an exciting young Burgenland duo, at a price that belies the quality in the glass/