Weingut Jurtschitsch "Belle Naturelle" Rosé, Kamptal, Austria 2025

FROM BOWLER WINE:

THE WINE: A blend of Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, and Cabernet Sauvignon; whole grapes fermented on the skins and then stored on the lees in neutral 600l oak barrels for a couple of months. Unadorned, unfined, unfiltered: a wine in its birthday suit.

THE PRODUCER: Alwin and Stef Jurtschitsch took over the family winery in 2006 and immediately got to work, converting all of the vineyards to organic viticulture, replanting more densely, using whey to treat mildew instead of using copper sulphate, and working with new pruning methods. All the vineyards are certified organic and protecting biodiversity has always been a priority. Jurtschitsch explains that, “The more life you have in the vineyard, the more stable the entire system is.” Wildlife is abundant in the Jurtschitsch vineyards, with many fruit trees, grass, garlic, wildflowers and butterflies fluttering among the vines.

Jurtschitsch aims for a classic style of Kamptal wines, but more like an old-style of classic, that was made by their grandparents. This means, emphasizing the cool climate of Austria and making wines with finesse that strike a balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Stefanie Jurtschitsch manages the winemaking and she is making wines which let the vineyards and soils speak for themselves. They only use spontaneous fermentations and work without any additions, aside from minimal sulfur. The entry-level wines are made in stainless steel, but all the single vineyard Erste Lagen wines are aged in large oak foudres.