Claus Preisinger Puszta Libre! 2019

Puszta Libre! is an 80% Zweigelt and 20% St. Laurent blend sourced from multiple parcels around Lake Neusiedlersee in Gols, Burgenland. Vines sit on limestone and gravel soils with south and southwest orientations. The name references the Puszta, the Hungarian word for the plains that once included these vineyards before the border was redrawn, and Libre, Spanish for free.

Claus Preisinger ferments with ambient yeasts in stainless steel, allows malolactic fermentation, then rests the wine for approximately six months split between stainless steel and large neutral oak. The wine is bottled without fining or filtering, with minimal added sulfites. ABV comes in under 12.5%.

The result is a light-to-medium-bodied red built for drinking cool. Violet florality leads, followed by blackberry, plum, and a mineral, slightly balsamic finish. Tannins are minimal and acidity is fresh and bracing. The distinctive vintage lemonade-style bottle is an intentional design reference to 1920s packaging.

Certified biodynamic under the Respekt Biodyn standard, which Preisinger has held since converting his estate in Gols in 2006.