Red, White + Blau

Small country, big flavor. Austria may be a small country, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to distinctive, terroir-driven wines. This tasting celebrates Austria’s flagship varietals — from the crisp, peppery brightness of Grüner Veltliner, to the juicy charm of Zweigelt, and the elegant structure of Blaufränkisch. Grown in Austria’s cool-climate vineyards, these grapes thrive in mineral-rich soils and benefit from dramatic diurnal shifts, resulting in wines that are vibrant, balanced, and food-friendly. We’ll also explore Austrian varietals from producers in neighboring Croatia, because deliciousness knows no borders.

See you on the patio. Happy midsummer!

The Halfseas Team

NV Weingut Markus Huber “Hugo” Sparkling Rosé

Grapes: Zweigelt + Pinot Noir
Region: Niederösterreich, Austria
Retail: $25
Producer: Family-run Weingut Huber (Markus is the 10th generation)
Farming: Sustainable, precision-minded estate

Pink fizz with purpose — strawberry sorbet, alpine herbs, and a breezy tickle of bubbles that begs for a second pour. A playful nod to Austria’s “Hugo” spritz, bottled for blanket-side sipping.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Grilled peaches + burrata, shrimp tacos, or kettle-salted popcorn.

2024 Pomalo Rosé

Grape: Frankovka (aka Blaufränkisch)
Region: Slavonija, Croatia
Retail: $24
Producer: The Begović cousins, reviving family vineyards with fresh eyes
Farming: Certified organic, low-intervention cellar

Beach-day attitude in a glass. Watermelon rind, wild berries, and a salty breeze keep things crisp, dry, and crushable. “Pomalo” means “take it easy,” so do exactly that.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Tomato-watermelon salad, grilled halloumi skewers, or chips + guac.

2020 Sattler St. Laurent

Grape: St. Laurent
Region: Tadten, Burgenland, Austria
Retail: $24
Producer: The Sattler family, tending these vines for four generations
Farming: Organic, hand-harvested, native ferment

Think Pinot Noir’s Austrian cousin — tart cherry, violet, and a whisper of forest floor wrapped in silky tannins. Chill it lightly and watch the crowd swoon.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Eggplant parmesan, cedar-plank salmon, or mushroom burgers.

2022 Schloss Gobelsburg Grüner Veltliner (6-bottle club exclusive)

Grape: Grüner Veltliner
Region: Kamptal, Austria
Retail: $26
Producer: Historic Cistercian monastery estate (est. 1171) under Michael Moosbrugger
Farming: Organic, minimal-intervention cellar

Peppery lime zest, wet-stone snap, and laser-beam freshness — this is textbook Grüner.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Lemon-herb roast chicken, asparagus + hollandaise, or sushi rolls.

2022 Holzer “Space Invaders” Müller-Thurgau Orange (6-bottle club exclusive)

Grape: Müller-Thurgau
Region: Wagram, Austria
Retail: $26
Producer: Arnold Holzer, fifth-generation rebel with a joystick
Farming: Organic, 14-day skin maceration, unfiltered

Tangerine haze, mango funk, and a gentle tannic grip—an approachable gateway to the orange-wine universe.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Korean BBQ, curry-spiced cauliflower, or nachos loaded with pickled jalapeños.

2022 Pomalo Blaufränkisch (6-bottle club exclusive)

Grape: Blaufränkisch (Frankovka)
Region: Slavonija, Croatia
Retail: $26
Producer: The Begović cousins (see rosé above)
Farming: Organic, stainless-steel aging for max freshness

Juicy blackberry, cracked pepper, and electric acidity—made to chill and chug around the grill.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Grilled sausages, charred corn, or veggie kebabs with chimichurri.

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.