Juicy, vibrant and effortlessly cool, the 2021 Buddy Talk Red is all about easy charm and drinkable energy. A blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent, it bursts with aromas of red cherry, raspberry and cranberry, laced with hints of violet, white pepper and a touch of earthy spice. The palate is bright and silky, with soft tannins and crunchy red fruit that glide into a clean, refreshing finish. Light-bodied but full of personality, it’s the kind of red that feels just as at home slightly chilled at a picnic as it does at a late-night dinner.

For when: the night starts casually and ends in laughter.
Pairs with: charcuterie, grilled vegetables, or pizza fresh from the oven.
If this wine were a friend, it’d be the one who makes everyone feel instantly relaxed.

Michael Opitz, based in Illmitz on the shores of Lake Neusiedl, represents the new wave of Burgenland winemaking, youthful, sustainable and unpretentious. Following in the footsteps of his father, the famed sweet-wine producer Willi Opitz, Michael has forged his own identity with the Buddy Talk range: naturally expressive, minimal-intervention wines designed for everyday enjoyment.

The vineyards, farmed organically and surrounded by the unique steppe landscape of the Seewinkel, benefit from warm days, cool nights, and the moderating influence of the lake. Fermented spontaneously with native yeasts and aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness, the 2021 Buddy Talk Red captures the essence of Michael’s philosophy, honest fruit, gentle structure, and wines that spark connection rather than ceremony.