Andreas Gsellmann
Andreas Gsellmann is a pioneering force in Burgenland’s natural wine movement. Based in the town of Gols, near Lake Neusiedl, Gsellmann has earned a reputation for his commitment to biodynamic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. His wines reflect the unique terroir of Burgenland, and his philosophy emphasizes a balance between tradition and innovation.
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- EU Organic Certification
- respekt biodyn
- demeter
Coming from a family with a long history of winemaking, Andreas took over the family estate in the late 2000s. However, instead of simply following in his father’s footsteps, Andreas introduced new methods, fully embracing biodynamic practices. His decision to convert the estate to biodynamic farming has been central to his success, allowing him to create wines that reflect the true character of the land. Today, Andreas manages around 20 hectares of vineyards and produces wines that capture both the history of his family estate and the possibilities of modern, natural winemaking.
At the core of Gsellmann’s philosophy is a commitment to biodynamic viticulture. He believes in working in harmony with nature, promoting soil health and biodiversity in his vineyards. His estate is Demeter certified, a clear indication of his dedication to this method of farming. For Gsellmann, biodynamics goes beyond avoiding chemicals—it’s about nurturing the vines in a holistic way, ensuring that they produce vibrant, healthy grapes that express the terroir authentically.
The Burgenland region, particularly the area around Lake Neusiedl, is ideal for viticulture. The Pannonian climate, with its hot summers, cold winters, and the moderating effect of the lake, provides perfect growing conditions. Andreas Gsellmann’s vineyards benefit from the region’s diverse soils, which range from loam and clay to limestone and gravel, imparting a distinct minerality to his wines.
Gsellmann produces wines from a range of grape varieties typical of Burgenland. Reds like Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent form the backbone of his offerings, while whites such as Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling, and Pinot Blanc highlight the region’s potential for freshness and balance. Blaufränkisch, in particular, thrives in Burgenland’s climate, and Gsellmann’s versions of this grape are noted for their intensity, structure, and ability to age.
In addition to his traditional wines, Gsellmann is known for his natural and orange wines, which are made using minimal intervention. These wines often undergo long maceration periods, allowing the skins to stay in contact with the juice, which gives them deeper color, tannic structure, and complex flavor profiles. Gsellmann ferments his wines with native yeasts and avoids additives, preferring to let the wines develop on their own. The result is a portfolio of wines that are fresh, expressive, and authentic.
Gsellmann’s involvement in the Pannobile Movement has also been significant. The Pannobile group, which includes a small number of winemakers from Gols, was founded in 1994 with the goal of promoting high-quality wines from Burgenland. The members of the movement, including Gsellmann, are dedicated to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region, with a focus on indigenous grape varieties like Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. Pannobile wines are known for their complexity and aging potential, and the movement has played a major role in raising the profile of Burgenland wines internationally. Gsellmann’s commitment to this movement aligns perfectly with his broader winemaking philosophy of working with the land and producing wines that tell a story of place.
The Pannobile Movement has given Gsellmann a platform to showcase his dedication to craftsmanship and terroir-driven wines. By collaborating with other like-minded winemakers, Gsellmann has helped to elevate the reputation of Burgenland, positioning it as one of Austria’s most exciting wine regions.
Through his focus on biodynamic practices, natural wine production, and his involvement in the Pannobile Movement, Andreas Gsellmann has become a leading figure in Austrian winemaking. His wines are sought after for their purity, balance, and ability to convey the true essence of Burgenland. Whether through his elegant reds, refreshing whites, or experimental orange wines, Gsellmann’s work continues to push the boundaries of what Austrian wine can be.