Andreas GsellmannWith the Strength of Our Hands
Seventh generation biodynamic winemaker in the Pannonian basin. 20 hectares of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and aromatic whites from Lake Neusiedl to the Schneeberg.
From 1800 to the future—seven generations in the Pannonian basin
The Gsellmann family has been making wine in Gols since 1800—seven generations working the same Pannonian soil. For over two centuries, they have cultivated vineyards in the Neusiedlersee wine-growing region, where the hot, dry summers are moderated by the vast shallow lake and strong winds aerate the vines [^20^][^22^].
Andreas Gsellmann, working alongside his father Hans, now leads the estate with a youthful attitude paired with timeless tradition. Since 2010, Andreas has farmed biodynamically, joining respekt-BIODYN in 2009/2011—a group of "young, dynamic and non-dogmatic" winemakers across Austria, Germany, and Hungary committed to biodynamic principles without dogma [^16^][^20^][^39^].
"I love cabbage and beets. I would rather put lukewarm nettle tea on my vineyards than chemicals. The world we live in is an inheritance—we must preserve it."
The winery farms 20 hectares (including four leased parcels) across the best sites in Gols, Jois, and Halbturn. Their individual vineyards bear evocative names: Goldberg, Salzberg, Gabarinza, Altenberg, Rosenberg, Spiegel, and Ungerberg—each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines [^16^][^43^][^45^].
Mit der Kraft unserer Hände—nettle tea, biodynamic wisdom, and the gesture of the winemaker
Andreas Gsellmann's wines are made by hand and deeply rooted in their origins—"Mit der Kraft unserer Hände" (With the strength of our hands). This philosophy extends from vineyard to bottle: instead of chemicals, Andreas applies lukewarm nettle tea and biodynamic preparations to nurture the vines [^16^][^38^].
The estate's labels bear the image of the winemaker's hands, their gestures pointing to the wine's origins—the specific vineyard sites that define each cuvée. This is wine as an expression of place and manual labor, not industrial process. The conversion to biodynamics in 2010 represented not a radical break but an evolution of the family's long commitment to careful vineyard work [^16^][^37^].
The Pannonian climate creates ideal conditions: gravelly soils deposited by the receding ancient sea provide excellent drainage, while Lake Neusiedl moderates temperatures. The result is wines of density and aromatic complexity, particularly the Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt that form the backbone of the estate's production, alongside Chardonnay, Traminer, and aromatic varieties like Scheurebe and Muskat Ottonel [^20^][^45^].
- Nettle tea preparations
- Biodynamic since 2010
- Hand harvest
- Spontaneous fermentation
- Large wooden barrels
- Lake climate influence
Goldberg, Salzberg, Gabarinza—seven sites across Gols, Jois, and Halbturn
Goldberg
One of the estate's top sites, providing the foundation for dense, structured reds. The name reflects the golden quality of the grapes grown here, particularly suited to Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt [^16^][^45^].
Salzberg
Known for producing wines with mineral backbone and aging potential. Part of the Pannobile group's best vineyard sites alongside Goldberg and Gabarinza [^16^][^43^].
Gabarinza
A unique location whose terroir produces wines of exceptional complexity. The Gabarinza bottling represents the pinnacle of the estate's red wine production, aged to reveal deep ruby-garnet colors and fine spice [^46^][^50^].
Altenberg
Contributes to the "Alte Lagen" cuvées with old vine material, offering concentration and depth from mature vineyards farmed biodynamically [^43^].
Ungerberg
One of the best locations for white wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot varieties. Provides the backbone for the famous "Ungerberg" white cuvées [^12^][^43^].
Rosenberg & Spiegel
Additional sites in the Gols and Jois areas, contributing diversity to the estate's range. These vineyards see the same meticulous hand-work and biodynamic care as the top sites [^43^].
OMG, Gabarinza, Cuvée Speciale—biodynamic wines from the Pannonian tradition
OMG
A fresh take on aromatic grapes: 50% Scheurebe, 50% Muskat Ottonel. Hand-picked in September, macerated for 2 hours, then spontaneous fermentation. An innovative Petillant Naturel that celebrates aromatic varieties rarely seen in sparkling form. Fresh, floral, and utterly distinctive [^32^][^41^][^42^].
2hr maceration
Spontaneous ferment
Unfiltered
Gabarinza
From the Gabarinza vineyard—deep dark ruby-garnet with violet reflections. Fine tobacco spice, ripe cherries, wild blueberry, elderberry, and plums on the nose, with violets and lilac. Discreet smoky wood notes in background. Powerful yet elegant with fine-grained mature tannins and immense length. A powerful wine that never seems overloaded [^46^][^50^].
16 months
Fine tannins
93 Falstaff Points
Cuvée Speciale
A benchmark blend of Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch demonstrating the estate's mastery of Burgenland's signature reds. Spontaneously fermented with native yeasts, aged in large wooden barrels to preserve fruit purity while adding texture. A wine that balances charm with depth—juicy and friendly yet complex [^52^][^54^].
Large barrels
Native yeast
Minimal sulfur
Traminer
Dry and mineral with notes of talc, smoke, geranium, rosewater, and dried thyme leading to finely meshed baked apple. An intensely aromatic yet structured white that shows the potential of this variety in the Pannonian climate. Fermented spontaneously and aged on fine lees [^25^][^33^].
Rosewater & talc
Spontaneous ferment
Lees aged
Pannobile
Andreas is a member of the Golser Pannobile group, an association of quality-conscious producers in Gols. This cuvée represents the biodynamic pinnacle of the estate—crafted from the best parcels, respecting the strict quality standards of both Pannobile and respekt-BIODYN certifications [^48^][^53^].
Pannobile Group
Biodynamic fruit
Traditional aging
The Gesture of the Winemaker
Andreas Gsellmann's labels display the winemaker's hands—pointing, working, connecting. This is not mere decoration but philosophy made visible: wine as the product of manual labor, intimate knowledge of place, and the passing of knowledge from father to son. The hands that apply nettle tea in the vineyard are the same hands that select the grapes, watch over the fermentation, and guide the wine into bottle [^37^][^38^].
The respekt movement, founded in 2007 and joined by Andreas in 2009, represents a new generation of biodynamic winemaking—non-dogmatic, quality-focused, and dynamic. Together with peers like Judith Beck, Claus Preisinger, and Gernot Heinrich, they prove that biodynamic farming in the Pannonian basin can produce wines of international acclaim without sacrificing regional character [^39^][^49^].
- Family tradition since 1800
- 7th generation winemaking
- Biodynamic 2010
- respekt member 2009/2011
- 20 hectares Gols/Jois/Halbturn
- Goldberg/Salzberg/Gabarinza
- Nettle tea preparations
- Hand harvest only
- Spontaneous fermentation
- Large wooden barrels
- Lake Neusiedl influence
- Pannobile Group member
- Hand labels