Alexander and Maria Koppitsch
Rét
Rét
Varietal: Rotburger and St. Laurent
Region: Burgenland
Country: Austria
Volume: 750ml
We are thrilled to introduce you to Kippitsch Rét, a captivating Austrian red wine that beautifully showcases the unique terroir and indigenous grape varieties of the Wagram-Plateau.
The name "Rét" translates from Hungarian as "grassland" or "field," a nod to the wine's origins on land that was once a pasture for feeding the village's livestock. This connection to the land is deeply reflected in the wine's character.
Vineyard: Kippitsch Rét is sourced from the Hutweide and Prädium plots situated on the Wagram-Plateau. The vineyards predominantly feature sandy soil overlaying a thick layer of gravel, representing alluvial soil from the ancient Danube river. Despite the soil's health, it is notably poor, dry, and early-ripening. The vines, planted between 1988 and 2002, cover a total surface area of 1.86 hectares.
Grapes: The wine is crafted from approximately 80% Rotburger (Zweigelt) and 20% St. Laurent grapes. These indigenous Austrian red varietals contribute to the wine's distinctive character and regional authenticity.
Winemaking: The grapes for Kippitsch Rét are meticulously hand-harvested, destemmed, and naturally fermented on skins for six days. Post-fermentation, the wine is pressed into stainless steel tanks (for the Rotburger and St. Laurent) and large acacia vats (for the Rotburger). Here, the wine matures on its gross lees for seven months, undergoing a hands-off approach to winemaking—no additives, no fining, no filtration, and no temperature control. The final blend is assembled shortly before bottling, which has been done unfined and unfiltered since the 2020 vintage, with no SO2 addition.
Personality: Kippitsch Rét is a joyful celebration of Austrian red varietals and embodies the bright, light style of red wines that are both fruity and spicy, offering excellent drinkability. The wine is vibrant, with a lively acidity and a harmonious balance between fruit and spice notes. It is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed slightly chilled and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it an ideal choice for both casual and special occasions.
Sip on this! It's good for you because...
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About Winemaker
Alexander and Maria Koppitsch
Bottles of Koppitsch immediately grab your attention with their vibrant labels and the juicy, easy-drinking wine inside, evoking the relaxed vibe of Lake Neusiedl vacations. “We aim to create wines that bring you effortless joy,” Maria affirms.
The Koppitsch family's winemaking journey began with Alex's grandfather, Leopold, who transformed a small field into a mixed farm and winery after returning from WW2. Over time, the family expanded their vineyards to 6.3 hectares, maintaining traditional, labor-intensive techniques. When Alex proposed modern methods, he was met with resistance, a decision he now appreciates as it preserved the winery's historical character.
In 2011, Alex and Maria took over the winery, facing financial hardships and skepticism due to their unconventional wines. However, a fortunate encounter with David Ward of Ward&Associés at the 2017 Weinsalon Naturel in Cologne led them to us, opening new doors for their wines. “We could make all the wine we wanted, but really, there’s no way we could be living this dream without the people who buy and represent it,” Maria emphasizes.
Dedicated to their craft, Alex started vinifying all of their plots and varietals separately, deepening their understanding of their terroirs and grapes. The couple has also embraced biodynamics, with Alex following the biodynamic calendar and maintaining a healthy soil cover crop. “We’re not chasing growth or profit; we live a good life on our own terms, connected to nature, without unlimited consumption, without any debts,” Maria states.
Their environmentally conscious approach extends to their branding choices, using natural cork closures, light bottles, and eco-friendly packaging. “We opted for a one-piece-only label and a simple recycled paper cardboard box, even though it disqualifies us from the ‘coolest packaging’ race,” Maria explains. But as their growing fan base shows, the Koppitsches are winning in a race of their own.
So..What's natural wine again?
- No synthetic molecules in the vines
- Plowing or other solutions to avoid chemical herbicides
- Use of indigenous yeast
- Handpicked grapes
- Low to no filtering
- Low to no sulfites
- Winemaking that respects the grapes: no pumping or rough handling
of the grapes - no micro-oxygenation
Not all of our wines are natural; some are simply organic or sustainable.
However, they're all delicious and good for you!