Like all of Hoch's still wines, the Rot (red) is a blend of three vintages, supporting Hoch's vision that the best expression of terroir comes from the blend rather than a dominant vintage. Young wines add fruit and older wines bring tannins and structure. The Rot is a blend of 80% Zweigelt and 20% Blauer Portugieser; red grapes planted in a white soil, the famous Hollenburger conglomerate. The grapes are stomped by foot with whole clusters and undergo a semi-carbonic fermentation (about 75% of the total). The wine is aged 50% in large barrels and 50% barrels. About half of the barrels are not topped off and the wine develops flor, giving more depth and complexity. It's bottled without filtration, giving a slightly cloudy wine. It's a light red with piquant cherry and blueberry fruit, and notable, pleasing tannins. The final alcohol is 9.5%. It's joyous. Best served with a slight chill.