After studying, working, interning and mopping cellar floors in New Zealand, South Africa, and Germany, a young Christoph Weiss returned home to Austria to establish his own natural wine project called Malinga, spanning 12 hectares of the choicest plots within his family’s vineyards. Hotrot is a delicious, chillable blend of St. Laurent, Rotburger, Blauburger and Müller-Thurgau that’s hand-harvested, fermented spontaneously, then aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks for five months. The wine opens with an enticing nose of wild red berries and forest bramble, leading to a light-to-medium-bodied palate of tart cranberry and white cherry followed by a bright, vibrant finish with light and delicate tannins. Pair with kasspatzln, Austria’s answer to mac and cheese, or brettljause, a traditional Austrian charcuterie spread.

— Producer

Gnarly Vines