Hutberg celebrates its 30th anniversary
The Schöfmann Winery from Austria's Weinviertel region has something to celebrate! We are thrilled to announce that our red wine cuvée Hutberg is celebrating its 30th birthday!
In the series 'Weinviertel Insights', siblings Anna and Laurenz Schöfmann report on life and work at their winery.
What's behind the Hutberg?
The Hutberg is the highest elevation in Haugsdorf. Since the Weinviertel is characterized by a gently rolling landscape but cannot boast high peaks like other Austrian federal states, our Hutberg, with its proud 296m, is already referred to as a mountain. You definitely feel it too. Anyone who has ever conquered the Hutberg by bike can recall the arduous uphill pedaling through the Haugsdorf Kellergasse.
Image: The Schöfmann family celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Hutberg
The Kellergasse is one of the most picturesque places in Haugsdorf and offers a peaceful ambiance when you walk up it towards the Hutberg. Wine used to be produced in this street, including in the Schöfmann family's wine cellar. Recently, a generational change took place here – young winemakers Laurenz and Anna Schöfmann can now call the family wine cellar their own and already have many exciting ideas that are to be implemented there.
Once you reach the top of the hill, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the landscape of the Weinviertel. On clear days, you can even see as far as the snow-capped peaks of the Pre-Alps. What makes this place so special? You are amidst tranquil nature, vineyards and scattered fruit trees characterize the cultural landscape, and apart from occasional tractors, no traffic can be heard. Pure idyll!
On this vineyard, the Schöfmann family found the best red wine location in the area to plant vines. Varieties such as Blauer Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, but also Grüner Veltliner grow here under perfect climatic conditions. Vineyard work brings Laurenz and Anna particular joy, as they can enjoy a beautiful view of Haugsdorf and take a break in the shade at the "Hüata-Hütte".
This is also where the name of this mountain comes from. Hutberg actually does not come from "Hut" (hat), but from "hüten" (to guard) or "behüten" (to protect). The hut at the very top used to be the workplace of a so-called "Hüter" (guardian), who guarded the grapes from theft. Today, the "Hüata-Hütte" is a beautiful place to relax, picnic, and barbecue.
Image: Morning atmosphere in Haugsdorf on the Hutberg
And what does the mountain have to do with the 30th anniversary?
In 1990, Toni Schöfmann returned from his internship year in the Palatinate to his parents' winery to make his own wines. He created a red wine cuvée and was looking for a suitable name. Even though Latin terms for cuvées were very popular at the time, my uncle chose the more authentic name that emphasizes the wine's origin. The Cuvée Hutberg was born! In the family cellar in Haugsdorf's Kellergasse, this wine was vinified 30 years ago from the grape varieties Blauer Zweigelt and Blauer Portugieser. Incidentally, a few bottles of the first vintage, 1990, are still stored there, maturing at optimal temperature.
Image: Red wine Cuvée Hutberg
The style of the Cuvée Hutberg is unmistakable. A balanced fruit aroma, reminiscent of blueberries and dark cherry fruit, is complemented by a fine spiciness and great drinkability. A wine that goes wonderfully with any dish – a versatile food companion! This is what distinguishes the red wines of Weingut Schöfmann, which has specialized in the production of characterful red wines for several years.
Hutberg on Tour
For the anniversary year, we have come up with something very special. We are sending the Hutberg on a journey! Namely, as part of a competition until the end of the year. Send us a photo of your Hutberg moment and where you enjoy the red wine. This can be on the terrace, with friends, at the lake, or even in the mountains. We at Weingut Schöfmann look forward to your snapshots, which you can send us anytime via the social media channels of Winetory.net or Weingut Anton Schöfmann. Among all photo submissions, three Hutberg anniversary wine packages, each containing 6 bottles, will be raffled off at the end of the year.
So order your Cuvée Hutberg home and taste the fruity, Weinviertel red wine style!
About the authors Anna and Laurenz Schöfmann
Anna Schöfmann and her brother Laurenz Schöfmann are the next generation at Weingut Schöfmann, located in northern Lower Austria. Here, three generations work together with a shared passion for expressive red and white wines. Winemaker Anton Schöfmann is supported by the younger generation in all areas of wine production and at events. The grandfather also makes a great contribution and provides advice and practical help – in a family business, people complement each other.
Image: Anna Schöfmann from the winery in Haugsdorf in the Weinviertel
Anna discovered her love for wine during her five-year tourism education. She participated in national and international wine competitions and thus got to know the diverse and exciting wine industry. In 2017, Anna decided to study "International Wine Business" to learn more about wine production and the wine market. With increasing interest in wine, Anna took on more and more tasks in her family's winery and, with her brother Laurenz, shapes the future of Weingut Schöfmann.
Laurenz has been driving a tractor since early childhood and supports the winery and agriculture. It was clear to him for a long time that his path would lead him to the Higher Federal Institute for Viticulture and Fruit Growing, which he will complete in 2021. In the meantime, he has already gained a lot of practical experience in Kamptal and the Thermenregion.
"What gives us the most joy in winemaker life is being out and about in the vineyards, in wine shops, and at events. The love for the product is just as important as innovation and openness to new ideas."
Links
Written by Wolfgang Angeli
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.