Hutberg Classics from the Austrian Weinviertel

It's the first truly warm Saturday of 2020. Over 20 degrees Celsius, and despite the coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions, people are thronging the streets. I've just returned home from a long, solitary walk. My first sunburn, my first dinner on the balcony. I'm having Italian tortellini with green pesto. And of course, a fine wine is the perfect way to end this sunny March day.

Red wine from Austria – does that even exist?

Even as the pasta sizzles in the pot, I can't resist opening a bottle of red wine. I choose the Hutberg Klassik from the Anton Schöfmann winery in Austria. An unusual choice for me, as I normally prefer white wine. But today it just feels right. This cuvée blends the grape varieties Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, and Blauburger into a sophisticated wine. Red wine is more the exception than the rule in Austria. Our neighboring country is dominated by white wines like the legendary Grüner Veltliner. Nevertheless, the Anton Schöfmann winery has specialized in red wine, among other things. The Schöfmann family's signature wine is the Hutberg Klassik, which I have the pleasure of enjoying today. This quality wine is named after the Hutberg, one of the country's best red wine vineyards.

Image: The red wine Hutberg Klassik from the Anton Schöfmann winery

Schöfmann Hutberg Klassik as a versatile cuvée

I watch with anticipation as the ruby-red liquid settles comfortably in my bulbous red wine glass. My nose detects an aroma reminiscent of both an orchard and damp earth. Now the moment has arrived: I take the long-awaited first sip. What my nose had already predicted now comes true. A fruity aroma spreads in my mouth, perfectly complementing the slowly blossoming trees beneath my balcony. This is followed by a refined, slightly spicy note. The finish is reminiscent of Hutberg. Classic and dry, but by no means woody. My taste buds are delighted and crave more. Suddenly, I have an incredible desire for my pesto pasta.

Austrian red wine has nothing to hide.

I grab a plate of pasta and hurry out onto my balcony, where the Hutberg is. Classic wine is already waiting for me. With each sip, the fruity flavor intensifies and unfolds new nuances. As hoped, the subtle spiciness of the cuvée harmonizes fabulously with the equally flavorful pesto. After dinner, I leisurely pour myself a second glass and watch the people gradually arriving. The sun is slowly setting. I lean back and let my thoughts drift. The only constant is the glass of wine. Red wine that keeps finding its way to my lips. Although I'm usually more of a fan of Pinot Blanc or Riesling, especially in spring and summer, I've made exactly the right choice. The Hutberg Classical music from the Anton Schöfmann winery It's simply delightful and pleases all the senses. This delicious cuvée has rightfully been the family's flagship wine for 30 years. Schöfmann , who has been celebrating winemaking for three generations.

About the author Tim Jaschke

Image: Author Tim Jaschke

Tim lives in Mannheim, which is not far from the Palatinate region. This area is home to numerous traditional as well as modern wineries. This has sparked a passion for wine, which Tim now combines with his freelance work as a writer.