Koppitsch, Rét 2023

This family-run estate has been producing wine for generations, city records even show that the name 'Koppitsch' has been associated with winemaking in Neusiedl as far back as 1523. Maria and Alex have been stewards of these vines since 2011 when they shifted vinifaction practices to biodynamic. Spread over 6.3 hectares the grapes grow from a variety of fluvial sediments laid down by past flows of the River Danube. Wines undergo zero filtering or fining and are predominantly aged in old oak barrels once used by Alex's grandfather. Rét 23 is a juicy blend of Zweigelt (80%) and St. Laurent (20%) from vines located 50 metres above Lake Neusiedl on the Wagram-Plateau. Soils here are particularly sandy with an abundance of meadows after which this wine is named (Rét is the Hungarian word for field/meadow). The grapes are destemmed, macerated on the skins for 6 days, pressed and then aged in a combination of acacia barrels and stainless steel tanks on gross lees. The resulting wine has deep, dark notes of blackcurrant jam and sage, but the soft tannins and medium-light body help it remain a perfect chilled, glou-glou red. Koppitsch - Rét 23 would pair well with an earthy mushroom risotto.