Matthias Hager Pet Nat Zwiegelt Rosé 2022 Øko

Matthias Hager Pet Nat Zweigelt Rosé 2022 Øko is a vibrant, naturally sparkling rosé from Kamptal in Austria, crafted from 100% Zweigelt. This pétillant naturel (Pet Nat) bottling captures the grape’s juicy red-fruit charm in an unfiltered, lightly cloudy style that feels both playful and precise. Certified organic, it embodies a low-intervention philosophy that lets the fruit and terroir shine, offering a fresh, characterful alternative to more conventional sparkling rosés.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, expect a pale to medium pink hue with a gentle natural haze and a lively, fine bead of bubbles. The nose is expressive and charming, with notes of wild strawberries, redcurrants, and raspberries, joined by hints of sour cherry, pink grapefruit, and a subtle floral lift reminiscent of rose petals and wild herbs. On the palate, this Pet Nat is bright, dry, and refreshing, with a tangy red-berry core, crunchy acidity, and a delicate, slightly rustic sparkle that adds texture and energy. Flavours of fresh strawberries, cranberry, pomegranate, and citrus zest are layered with a faint savoury, yeasty note from the natural fermentation. The finish is clean, moreish, and gently saline, making it incredibly drinkable. Best enjoyed young within 1–3 years of the vintage to capture its full freshness, vibrancy, and primary fruit character.

Production
Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Austria’s Kamptal region, this wine benefits from a cool climate, mixed loess and clay soils, and good diurnal temperature swings that help preserve acidity and aromatics in Zweigelt. Grapes are typically hand-harvested to ensure careful selection of healthy, ripe bunches suitable for natural sparkling production. After a gentle pressing and a spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine is bottled before fermentation finishes, trapping the natural CO₂ and creating its fine, lively fizz in the bottle—without dosage and usually with minimal, if any, filtration. The result is an authentic, low-intervention Pet Nat that showcases both grape and place.

Food & Serving
This Pet Nat Zweigelt Rosé is extremely versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with charcuterie, soft cheeses, tapas, grilled shrimp, ceviche, sushi, light poultry dishes, and Mediterranean salads, as well as wood-fired pizzas and mildly spiced Asian cuisine. Its bright acidity and fine bubbles also make it an excellent aperitif on its own. Serve well chilled at around 8–10°C (46–50°F). A brief, gentle turn of the bottle before opening can help integrate the natural sediment if you enjoy a more cloudy, textural style; alternatively, keep the bottle upright and pour carefully for a clearer glass. Decanting is not necessary, but opening the bottle a few minutes before serving will allow the aromas to open up.

Producer
Weingut Matthias Hager is a family-run estate based in Kamptal, a renowned wine region in northern Austria known for its expressive, terroir-driven wines. Matthias Hager has built a reputation as one of the area’s forward-thinking, quality-focused growers, embracing organic—and often more holistic, low-intervention—practices in both vineyard and cellar. His range highlights not only classic Kamptal varieties, but also experimental and natural-leaning wines such as Pet Nats, which have helped position the estate as a reference point for drinkers seeking authenticity and character. The combination of careful farming, respect for the environment, and a willingness to explore traditional methods like pétillant naturel fermentation has made Weingut Matthias Hager a noteworthy name in Austria’s modern wine scene.