Rosi Schuster
By David Keck
In the beautiful, ancient, Austrian village of St. Margarethen near the shallow Neusiedlersee Lake on the border of Hungary one can find the Rosi Schuster winery. Founded in 1979 by Rosi and her partner Franz (Hannes Schuster’s parents), the winery was overseen by Rosi until her son Hannes began running the estate alongside her in 2005. Since then Hannes has moved the estate into Certified Organic farming and a very hands-off approach to winemaking.
From left to right: Rosi Schuster ‘Aus den Dörfern’ Grüner Veltliner/Gemischter Satz (Welschriesling, Neuburger, Muskat Ottonel, Weissburgunder and Furmint) 2017 ; Rosi Schuster Rotburger 2018 ; Jagini Blaufränkisch 2012
The grapes are all grown in St. Margarethen and the rest of their 9 hectares scattered across neighboring Zagersdorf and Rust, with the oldest vines reaching 60 years old. The soils vary tremendously from heavy loam, to gravel, sandstone, and even limestone.
Hannes was mentored by Roland Velich (see W.O.W. Blog post HERE) and even collaborates with Roland on the Blaufränkisch Jagini (2012 in stock, funky, brooding, delicious). His Blaufränkisch is amazing, but not be overlooked are the other grape varieties, Sankt Laurent, Rotburger (formerly known as Zweigelt, but now not so fashionable to name a grape after a Nazi), and an amazing wine from Grüner Veltliner and a bunch of other white grape varieties, (a blend known in Austria as Gemischter Satz, some of these grapes aren’t known outside the region).
All the wines see spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters of stainless steel and wood, and aging is in large, traditional Stockinger barrels. We love what Hannes is doing with this amazing estate and are so glad that Vermonters (and visitors) can now enjoy the clean, bright, and beautifully made wines.