Austria

Julie Hoch has (pun intended) joyful and quite experimental project, almost witchy (if you think of it alchemically) which is called Pure Joy Botanicals. Based in Kremstal, Austria, Julie works with biodynamic grapes and herbs she grows herself, turning them into bone-dry, naturally sparkling botanical wines that don’t fit into any category and we are happy about it. The weirder the better, if it's backed with precision and care, and those are exactly two words you are thinking of after a few minutes of conversation with Julie. 

Julie ferments grape must together with herbal infusions from elderflower, mint, lavender, hops, whatever the season gives her, basically, and its all on wild yeasts, with no additives, no sugar, no sulphur. The result is something light, charmingly different and crisp, floral but not perfumed, refreshing but quite serious (especially the hop one... just believe us). 

These are low-alcohol, pet-nat-style bottles made for people who can appreciate thinking outside of box. Julie shows how deep herbal knowledge with modern fermentation can re-shape our views on grape-based beverages.

After all, Julie’s wines are called Pure Joy for a reason.