Rebenhof is Hartmut (“Harti”) Aubell’s 9.5-acre estate and family winery in the Süd-Steiermark, southern Austria, right next to the border with Slovenia. Farming is certified biodynamic. This wine is 100% zweigelt; SA = “sans année”, or without a (declared) vintage. Harti is a relentless experimenter in the winery, and this wine reflects that spirit: It’s 30% whole clusters that macerate for two weeks and 70% pressed directly (i.e., no skin contact) - so effectively a 30% red + 70% blanc de noir that results in a very light red / rosé that’s 11% alcohol. There are no additions, including SO2, and no filtering (ØØ). The nose is crazy fresh and lightly fruity, plenty stony, slightly floral, and accented with black pepper. As the medium rosé color would suggest, the wine is bright and refreshing in the mouth, with great acidity.
Treat it like any other good winter rosé: cellar temperature (~55º F) or even a bit colder; 30 minutes in the refrigerator should do. It comes alive and stays alive with spicy food, including kebabs with mint chutney.
