About Alex & Maria Koppitsch

Alex and Maria Koppitsch are a dynamic winemaking couple based in the Burgenland region of Austria, on the shores of Lake Neusiedl. Their family's winemaking history traces back over 500 years, and they are dedicated to continuing this tradition with a modern, conscious approach.

Winemaking Philosophy

Since taking over the family winery in 2011, Alex and Maria have been committed to low-intervention winemaking and biodynamic farming principles inspired by Rudolf Steiner. They believe in a holistic, hands-on approach, with Alex personally managing every step in the vineyards with assistance from his father. In the cellar, fermentation occurs spontaneously with wild yeasts, and they avoid all artificial additives, temperature control, fining, and filtration. This results in vibrant, soulful wines that express the unique terroir of their land.

The Wines & Terroir

Their vineyards, spanning 6 hectares, are situated on a diverse range of soils including sand, clay, loam, and gravel. This variety of terroir is a central theme in their winemaking. The Koppitsch portfolio is structured into distinct lines that reflect their philosophy:

  • The "Fun" Series: A range of accessible, easy-drinking wines with colorful labels and Hungarian names (like Homok, or "sand"), which pay homage to the region's history and the specific soils.

  • The "Perspektive" Series: More structured and complex wines that showcase the distinct flavors and minerality of their limestone-rich plots.

  • "Touch" and "Aeon": Special projects, including a skin-contact orange wine and wines from their oldest family-owned vines, which represent a deeper exploration of tradition and terroir.

  • United States

    • Flatiron Wines & Spirits (New York, NY) - A well-known retailer with a dedicated natural wine section, offering a wide and carefully sourced selection from around the world.

    • Thirst (Brooklyn, NY) - A smaller, highly curated shop with a strong community focus. They offer a wine club and emphasize living, additive-free wines.

    • Chambers Street Wines (New York, NY) - A long-standing shop that has championed organic, biodynamic, and natural wines since its inception.

    • Primal Wine (Online, ships within the US) - An online-first retailer that curates a selection of the best natural wines available in the United States, with a strong focus on small producers.

    United Kingdom & Ireland

    • Les Caves de Pyrene (Surrey, England) - An importer, distributor, and retailer that has been a pioneer in promoting natural wines in the UK, working with small, independent winemakers.

    • 64 Wine (Dublin, Ireland) - An independent wine shop and bar with a strong focus on sustainability. They work with small artisan producers and have a personally selected range of organic, natural, and biodynamic wines.

    • The Wine Buff (Ireland, various locations) - A chain of independent wine shops that curates a selection from small, family-owned vineyards, specializing in low-intervention wines.

    Europe

    • Cave Pur Jus (Online, ships to Europe) - A French online shop with a passion for natural wine. They highlight new winemakers weekly and are known for their focus on rare and beloved bottles.

    • Les Caves de Taillevent (Paris, France & Tokyo, Japan) - While part of a larger brand, this shop has a strong focus on curating collections from smaller producers, particularly from the Loire and Alsace regions.