There is a fine line between a Brettljause – which is a separate dish on its own – and Antipasti serving as a snack to accompany wine. Weingut Herzog’s “Heurigen Antipasti” are rather the latter, not only because of a self-describing name, but also because of their size and the inclusion of olives, grissini and roasted soya beans. Don’t take this dish unless you intend to order some of Herzog’s wines as well (which are, by the way, superb) or you won’t fully appreciate it.
Actually, I am in two minds about writing here about this plate of cold cuts at all. Ultimately, unlike any Brettljause I have ever eaten, it was delivered with no bread at all, and the waiter did not even ask if I wanted bread. On the other hand, I want you to know about Herzog’s Heuriger, because a Brettljause or not, its Antipasti plate is really good. The smoked ham and the garlic-spiced Speck taste fantastic, and the different types of cheeses are easily edible and enjoyable without bread. The salty soya beans are a novel and fantastic idea, easily beating potato chips and nuts as a perfect supplement to wine.
The best thing about Weingut Herzog is, however, its salads. I ordered a small mixed salad together with the Antipasti and loved it so much that had to order a large version afterwards. All eight different types of salad that Herzog serves on the plate are homemade, extremely fresh and often creative. If you want to have a perfect vegetarian wine-drinking trip, look no further. I didn’t think I would ever say that, but Herzog’s salads are way better than many Heurige’s meat-heavy Brettljausen.
My only advice is that postponing your visit to Herzog until a warmer season, when you can sit in the garden, is a good idea. Indoors, the Heuriger is quite cramped and noisy, and it can take some time until the waiter realizes that your wine glass needs a refill.
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