Made from 100% Merlot, this lively Austrian rosé is crisp, juicy, and packed with red berry charm. Bright acidity balances its gentle sweetness, making it super refreshing and food-friendly. Think sorbets, spicy Asian dishes, or just a sunny afternoon. Best served chilled.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: May 13, 2021
Drink: 2021-2024

Kracher's 2020 Spatlese Rose is a 100% Merlot pressed straight away and vinified in stainless steel for five months. The wine opens with a beautifully clear and fresh floral bouquet with notes of peonies and red berries. Round and juicy on the clear, fresh and elegant palate, this is a frisky, stimulating rose with fine tannin grip and remarkably fresh acidity. Very stimulating indeed with sorbets and many lighter Asian dishes based on veggies and seafood. Drink it young. Tasted in April 2021.

In 2019, Kracher did not produce a pure Chardonnay due to lack of acidity and complexity. Welschriesling is far better; this variety can handle dryness and heat.

In 2018, it was extremely hot and dry. Short rain showers only followed after ripening, after which botrytis rapidly set in. The start of harvest was in the first week of October, and countless selections were made until after Christmas. "It is always important to hit the acidity peak at harvest time, so we go through each vineyard two to five times, depending on how much botrytis there is. After a small period of regulation in the middle/end of September, there is an obligatory long dry period of up to six weeks, during which nothing can be harvested. After that, a high impact as well as a perfect harvest time is then required again to bring on the clear, fresh and fruity-elegant style with stimulating saltiness that one strives for at the Weinlaubenhof. "

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: April 6, 2021

From the pretty, red-strawberry and raspberry nose, you'd never think that this was sweet, but it is. And there's bright acidity that helps this light-bodied wine carry it rather well. Technically spot-on and very refreshing, if a shade on the simple side. Drink now. Screw cap. 

Technical Specs

Alcohol: Approximately 9% ABV; 
Closure: Screw cap
Harvest: 2020
Oak: Typically matured in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and delicate fruit aromas; exact vintage-specific ageing regime not confirmed
Varietals: 100% Merlot
Farming: Traditional viticulture; specific organic certification not confirmed
Vineyard Area: Illmitz, Burgenland, around Lake Neusiedl, Austria
Vinification: Carefully selected grapes are gently pressed and fermented under controlled conditions to retain fresh berry aromas, balanced acidity and a delicate off-dry character
Winemaker: Gerhard Kracher and the Kracher winemaking team
Region: Burgenland, Austria

Serving Temperature: 10-12°C
Decanting: Not required; serve chilled
Food Pairing: Grilled prawns, salmon, charcuterie, Asian-inspired dishes, fresh salads, and berry-based desserts