2017 Koppitsch Ret

Region: Neusiedl am See < Burgenland < Austria

Grapes: 80% Zweigelt, 20% St. Laurent

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming, sandy, limestone soil covered by a layer of rubble; 10 day maceration without temperature control, then grapes are pressed and the juice goes in stainless steel tanks and acacia barrels for 14 months of elevage on the gross lees; bottled unfined, unfiltered and with a small addition of sulfur; 11% ABV

Winemaker: Alexander and Maria Koppitsch

MOUNTAIN MAGIC: This is Heidi country: terraced vineyards on the lush green slopes of the Leitha Mountains near the Neusiedl am See, a picture-perfect small village on the shores of the Neusidl Lake (adorably depicted on the label)

Alexander and Maria Koppitsch began making wine in Burgenland in 2011, when they took over their parents 5.5-hectare winery and moved from selling grapes into making their own wine. Like his father and grandfather before him, Alex does not believe in introducing any additives into the grapes or the wine, so they use biodynamic principles to cultivate their grapes, and pride themselves on doing everything in the vineyard and cellar by hand, on a very small scale. Light-bodied, tart and juicy, with under-ripe berries, freshly cut grass, and bright acidity, this is a wine for drinking now. With everything, or nothing. Except, a slight chill. Stock up for holiday cheers-ing.