Based in Illmitz, Burgenland, Austria, Christian Tschida is one of the leading voices of Austria's natural wine movement. Coming from a family with a long history of winemaking, Tschida has developed his own distinctive approach centred on organic farming, minimal intervention and a deep respect for the natural character of the vineyard. Rather than pursuing a particular recipe or conventional style, he allows the vintage, grape and site to guide the wine.
Tschida works primarily with traditional Austrian varieties including Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, Muskat and Blaufränkisch, producing wines that range from vibrant whites and rosés to expressive reds and skin-contact wines. His vineyards are farmed organically with an emphasis on biodiversity and healthy soils, while in the cellar, spontaneous fermentation and gentle handling help preserve freshness, texture and the natural energy of the fruit.
What sets Tschida apart is his ability to combine the freedom of natural winemaking with remarkable precision and elegance. Even his skin-contact wines are often delicate rather than heavily tannic or oxidative, showing layers of ripe fruit, flowers, herbs and subtle savoury notes. His wines are expressive and individual, yet remain remarkably fresh, balanced and easy to drink.
For Tschida, natural wine is not about making something unusual—it is about making wine with as little interference as possible while allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak for themselves.
Type: Light Red Wine (Natural / Zero-Sulfur)
Region: Burgenland, Austria
Grapes: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Blaufränkisch (some releases are predominantly Pinot Noir with a small proportion of Blaufränkisch, but the 2023 vintage is generally listed as a 50/50 blend).
Alcohol ABV: 11%
Tasting Profile and Key Notes
Aroma:
Bright and expressive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, sour cherry, and red currant, layered with dried rose petals, baking spices, forest floor, and subtle mineral notes. A touch of wet leaves and fresh herbs adds complexity while maintaining remarkable purity and freshness.
Palate:
Light-bodied, vibrant, and exceptionally energetic, with juicy red berries, cranberry, and sour cherry carried by lively acidity. Fine, silky tannins provide gentle structure, while subtle earthy and mineral notes add depth. The finish is long, refreshing, and savoury, making this an elegant, highly drinkable expression of Burgenland.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and gently foot-trodden before spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large neutral oak barrels. The wine is matured for approximately 12 months in large Stockinger oak casks, preserving freshness while allowing subtle oxygen exchange to build complexity. Bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulphur, Brutal!!! is a pure expression of Christian Tschida's minimal-intervention philosophy.
Farming
The fruit comes from organically farmed vineyards in Burgenland, where 40-year-old vines grow on chalk, limestone, gravel, and schist-rich soils near Lake Neusiedl. The warm Pannonian climate is moderated by cooling lake influences, producing grapes with vibrant acidity and aromatic precision. Christian Tschida's regenerative, low-intervention approach allows each vineyard to express its terroir with clarity and finesse.
Type: Orange Wine (Natural / Skin-Contact / Minimal Intervention)
Region: Burgenland, Austria
Grapes: Gelber Muskateller, Goldmuskateller, Zitronenmuskateller (Lemon Muscat), and a small proportion of Chenin Blanc
Alcohol ABV: 11.5%
Tasting Profile and Key Notes
Aroma:
Intensely aromatic with notes of apricot, orange zest, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and white flowers. Layers of dried herbs, chamomile, citrus peel, and subtle tea-like nuances add complexity, while a distinct mineral freshness keeps the bouquet vibrant and elegant.
Palate:
Light yet beautifully textured, with flavours of preserved citrus, stone fruits, and ripe orchard fruits. Around two weeks of skin contact provides a gentle phenolic grip without overwhelming the wine, while lively acidity and a saline mineral backbone lead to a long, precise, and refreshing finish. The balance between aromatic intensity and finesse is a hallmark of Tschida's style.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Each Muskateller clone undergoes approximately two weeks of skin maceration before ageing for around 12 months in large neutral oak foudres and 500L oak barrels, preserving purity while adding texture and complexity. The wine is bottled with minimal intervention, without fining or filtration, and only a minimal amount of sulphur is used when necessary.
Farming
The fruit comes from Christian Tschida's organically farmed vineyards in Burgenland, situated between Lake Neusiedl and the Leitha Hills. The region's warm Pannonian climate is moderated by cooling lake influences, while gravel, limestone, and schist-rich soils contribute freshness, aromatic precision, and mineral depth. Low yields, meticulous hand harvesting, and regenerative vineyard practices allow each vineyard site to express its unique terroir with remarkable purity.