Kumarod is a tribute to the two friends who inspired Hans Schwarz to change his career and rise to star status as a winemaker. The wine is a blend of 70% Zweigelt, 15% Blaufränkisch, and 15% Merlot — one grape variety for each member of the trio. The grapes for the blend are hand-picked and cold-stabilised to prevent oxidation before pressing. Fermentation takes place under controlled conditions, and the must is carefully racked before the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels. The word “Kumarod” means comrade in High German and refers to the three friends: Hans Schwarz, Alois Kracher, and Manfred Krankl.