Alois Kracher Red Roses Beerenauslese / 2023 / 375mL

Description:

The Alois Kracher Red Roses Beerenauslese 2023 is a botrytis-affected Rosenmuskateller from Neusiedlersee-Burgenland, sweet but light on its feet rather than heavy. Deep pink-copper in the glass, it tastes of red berries and rose petal, and at 375mL it is a dessert wine you can open without committing to a full bottle.

Rose petal and Turkish delight lead the aromatics, backed by raspberry, ripe strawberry and a whiff of dried orange peel. Honey and gentle botrytis spice sit underneath, giving the fruit a savoury edge that stops the perfume becoming sugary.

Sweetness in the Red Roses Beerenauslese is well judged, carried by fine acidity that keeps the wine bright through a long, red-fruited finish. Texture is silky rather than viscous, and the finish leaves clove and pastille-like berry rather than syrup.

Pour it alongside raspberry tart, poached rhubarb, panna cotta or a bowl of strawberries and cream. It also holds its own beside soft washed-rind cheese, or simply chilled and served on its own after dinner as a small glass for two.

The 2023 is drinking well now and will hold comfortably through to 2033, though bear in mind that a half bottle matures faster than a 750mL, so this format rewards being opened a touch earlier. Serve well chilled, around 8 to 10 degrees.