Loimer NV Brut Rosé: A Wow-Worthy Sparkling Wine from Austria
Hello Friends,
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: “While all Champagne sparkles, not all sparkling wine is Champagne.” The terms are often used interchangeably, but a sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France. And just about everyone, at least in my sipping circle, enjoys the heck out of a good bottle of Champagne. However, equally as satisfying and worthy—and oftentimes less expensive—are “traditional method” sparkling wines like this appealing Brut Rosé from Fred Loimer. Whether you see classic method, traditional method, méthode traditionelle, etc. on the label, these wines require that the bubbles be produced within bottle by a second fermentation in the same way as Champagne. While this method is more labor intensive, time-consuming and costly, it generally produces tiny, longer-lived bubbles and wines of high quality and complexity.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying: “While all Champagne sparkles, not all sparkling wine is Champagne.” The terms are often used interchangeably, but a sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region of France. And just about everyone, at least in my sipping circle, enjoys the heck out of a good bottle of Champagne. However, equally as satisfying and worthy—and oftentimes less expensive—are “traditional method” sparkling wines like this appealing Brut Rosé from Fred Loimer. Whether you see classic method, traditional method, méthode traditionelle, etc. on the label, these wines require that the bubbles be produced within bottle by a second fermentation in the same way as Champagne. While this method is more labor intensive, time-consuming and costly, it generally produces tiny, longer-lived bubbles and wines of high quality and complexity.
 |
| Loimer NV Brut Rosé |
The Loimer Brute Rosé is bio-dynamically farmed with fruit sourced from two vineyards in Niederösterreich, Austria's largest quality-wine growing area. Winegrower Fred Loimer began practicing biodynamics 12 years ago and is a founding member of Respekt, a certifying body for biodynamic viticulture. Austria’s signature red grape, Zweigelt, plays a lead role in the blend—along with two of three traditional Champagne varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I don’t have to tell you that Loimer crafts some very nice Riesling and Grüner Veltliner still wines (i.e., non-sparkling), but his traditional method Brute Rosé is one to put on your radar. Once you get it in your flute or preferred glassware, you’ll be happy you did! For further information and where you can find this tasty bottle of bubbly, please check out my tasting notes below.
 |
| Brighten your day with Loimer NV Brut Rosé! |
Loimer NV Brut Rosé (SRP $32): This sparkler pours a vibrant salmon-pink color with a persistent mousse and fine, tiny bubbles. Composed of 58% Zweigelt, 35% Pinot Noir and 7% Chardonnay, the nose delivers freshly picked summer red fruits. On the palate, there are flavors of cherry, strawberry shortcake, rose water, jasmine and a trace of brioche. It’s fresh and crisp, with balanced acidity wrapped in a light, creamy texture, ending in a medium-long, flavorful finish. This is a delicious traditional method sparkler on its own, and yet a wonderful companion to Sunday brunch fare, sushi, grilled prawns, pan-seared tuna and more. Region: Niederösterreich, Austria. Other info: ABV 12%, sur-lie aging, full ML, aged in barrel and stainless, aged 10 months before bottling and one year in bottle, cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
