ERBE RED, 2018

"Introducing ""ERBE: A Legacy in Each Bottle""

The essence of our wine is captured in the single word 'Erbe', the German term for heritage. It symbolizes a journey that transcends time, space, and cultural boundaries. This expedition spans several centuries, beginning in 1630 and continuing to the present day. It journeys across 1200 kilometers, meandering through numerous towns and crossing the borders of Germany, Hungary, and Serbia. It also explores the rich tapestry of cultures found within these lands.

Embark on a Family Odyssey of Time, Space, and Cultures

Our story begins nine generations ago with my direct ancestor, Ferdinandus Hasman (1670 - 1728). A native of Waldenburg, Württemberg, Germany, Ferdinandus was a winegrower by profession. His life’s journey ended in Weindorf (Jenő), Hungary. Like many of his contemporaries, the so-called 'Donau Schwaben' migrants, Ferdinandus and his family traded the familiarity of home for the promise of a new life. They navigated the River Danube in small downstream boats, known as 'Ulmer Schachtel,' to claim and cultivate new vineyards in regions that now form parts of Hungary and Serbia.

In the days of a slower, less connected world, every kilometer traveled signified an enormous transformation, often more profound than we can comprehend today. Ferdinandus’ descendants continued his legacy as winegrowers until the devastation of the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century wiped out their vineyards. One such descendant, Josephus Gittinger, my eight-generation ancestor, disembarked at Altofen (present-day Óbuda, Budapest). However, other families continued their voyage, extending an additional 300 kilometers to Karlowitz (modern Sremski Karlovci, Serbia). Their journey concluded just meters from the vineyard that produces the wine you hold today.

This region of Europe was once a vibrant mosaic of cultures, where Germans, Serbs, Hungarians, Croats, Tots, Rusins, Romanians, Rutens, and Jews coexisted harmoniously. Our wine encapsulates these journeys across time, space, and cultures, reflecting the complexity and richness of our heritage.

Crafted with Tradition and Respect for Nature

Our wine-making process honors our ancestors' legacy. We embrace simplicity and authenticity, adding nothing and taking nothing away. Our wine is born from organic Kadarka and Merlot grapes, nurtured in a southwest-facing parcel enveloped by pristine nature, shrubs, and woods. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in used oak barrels, resulting in an unfined, unfiltered, and sulphite-free wine.

A limited edition of 4000 bottles has been created, each one a labor of love and meticulous care.