My New Favorite Esoteric Wine

I love rosé. If you can make a pink wine out of any grape and it’s dry, I’m interested. So when I found out that Austrian dynamo producer Hofer made a rosé, I was thrilled and ready to step over anybody to try it. Naturally, Foodista blog faithful, you remember me extolling the virtues of a red Zweigelt that Hofer makes in a one-liter size sealed with a bottle cap. (Oh, you don’t remember? Well, in the midst of wiping away the tears flooding my keyboard, I’ll try to find the time to give you a link.)

Anyway, Zweigelt is a traditional grape from Austria that is a bit earthy and a lot juicy. It makes really fun reds that, for me, are some of the ultimate BBQ companions. And if these wines weren’t weird enough, just try to sell a rosé version. (Dearest Hofer: Thank you for doing so.) This is a rosé wholly in my wheelhouse: pale, austere, and mega-dry. It also, as you will see in the photo on the right, has a bit of spritz to it. Just a touch that reminded me of drinking Vinho Verde from Portugal.

So step up to your winemonger and demand Austrian Zweigelt Rosé! Either they will give you a blank stare, scream in terror, or maybe lean in for a hug for validating their eccentricity. (You’d be right to think I’d respond with the latter, but I’m anti-hugging.)

So in the world of wine, what bizarre bottles pique your interest?

Jameson Fink is a wine buyer at a bustling grocery store in Seattle?s Capitol Hill neighborhood. He moved to Seattle from Chicago (where he dabbled in the restaurant and wine industries) five years ago to pursue a full-time career in wine. You can read more of his musings about wine on his blog, Sparkling Vouvray. He?d rather be drinking Champagne and eating popcorn right now.

Possibly Related Posts: