Niederösterreich, Austria
Kamptal DAC
Josef Schenter and Julia Nather have a vision for their vineyards in the northern Kamptal region: Drawing on principles of permaculture and regenerative farming, they are fostering a self-sustaining habitat. Besides spreading compost made onsite and doing some selective vine management, they let the property grow wild. "Nibiru" is the name of the joint project of Julia and Josef, named after the unique planet that moves around the sun in a huge ellipse in the opposite direction to all other planets. The unusual planet Nibiru has been part of our solar system since 2010, wandering through our solar system once every 3,600 years and is the only planet to orbit in the opposite direction to the rest. It seemed the perfect name to encompass their mission to create wines that are wilfull and determined to follow their own direction. All of their wines are treated with spontaneous fermentation, without fining or supplements and aim to use minimal sulphur.
Drawn from 20-year-old vines planted on loam, this Portugieser is fermented 50% whole-cluster, 50% destemmed and bottled without fining or filtration. This is light and peppery with notes of blueberry, cherry, red currants and bittersweet chocolate. It's low in alcohol and body but still astonishingly complex and savoury. Super fun entry point for this little known grape.
Pairs really well with roasted poultry, sausages, light stews, lasagna or wild mushroom risotto.