Koppitsch Ret

Koppitsch Ret is a skin-contact white from Burgenland, Austria, where Ewald and Stefanie Koppitsch farm biodynamically near the Neusiedlersee. This wine spends extended time on its skins during fermentation, giving it structure and tannin uncommon in Austrian whites — a technique that sets it apart from the region's more conventional expressions. The extended maceration pulls phenolics and color from the skins, resulting in an orange-hued wine that drinks closer to a light red than a typical white. The Koppitsch family has farmed organically since the early 2000s and converted to biodynamic practices in 2010, working parcels across Burgenland's warm, wind-swept plains. Their vineyards sit on gravel and limestone soils near Lake Neusiedl, where the moderating influence of the water tempers the Pannonian climate. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts in neutral oak barrels, and the wines see no sulfur additions until bottling. The Ret is a field blend of estate white varietals, co-fermented and aged together for six months on skins. The wine opens with cranberry, sour cherry, and a cola-like spritz, then shifts to black pepper, dried herbs, and crushed gravel on the palate. The light body and juicy acidity make it versatile at the table — pair it with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, or roasted chicken. It drinks well slightly chilled and benefits from a few minutes of air to let the herbal and mineral notes fully unfold. This is an approachable entry point to skin-contact wines for drinkers more accustomed to conventional white wines. Koppitsch Ret is available now at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, for pickup, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.