Buy or order Zweigelt wine

Zweigelt, what would Austria do without this red grape? In 1922, Zweigelt first saw the light of day when Friedrich Zweigelt successfully crossed two grape varieties. He had crossed St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch, and it proved to be a success. All of Austria is proud of Friedrich Zweigelt, because he put not only white wines but also red wines from Austria on the map. The grape also makes an excellent rosé, which is why many rosé wines are made from Zweigelt.

The Zweigelt grape is often grown higher up on the mountain to ensure sufficient coolness. Otherwise, the bunches would grow and ripen too quickly, preventing them from developing sufficient flavor. The cool nighttime temperatures and wind provide the Zweigelt grapes with everything they need for a long, undisturbed growing season. The vines are often planted in chalky and sandy soil, which the plants find highly nutritious. At ideal ripeness, the grapes are harvested by hand on the steep slopes and transported to the press in small crates to prevent damage during the journey. Once arrived, the Zweigelt wine is often aged in wooden barrels to give it more depth. The wine's naturally occurring acidity immediately dissipates, giving it a fresh yet full character.

What does a Zweigelt taste like?

What are the flavor characteristics of a red Zweigelt wine? Firstly, they often have aromas of red fruit, with strawberries and raspberries taking center stage. They also usually offer rich notes of spice, vanilla, and prunes. On the palate, a Zweigelt always offers a lovely tingle of raspberries and currants, complemented by oak, spice, and a hint of violet. Often, nuances from aging in oak barrels are also present, with hints of caramel, blackcurrant, and a hint of smoke in the back of the palate. With a pleasant and rich finish, it's always a joy to drink.

How long can I keep a Zweigelt?

Can you age a Zweigelt wine? Absolutely. Most wines can easily be enjoyed four years after the vintage. As the wine ages, the naturally occurring acidity will transform into mature flavors of black fruit and light spice. Rosé wines made from the Zweigelt grape, of course, cannot, as they should be enjoyed fresh and young. Top-of-the-line wines like Pfaffl Sandstein and Gruber Roschitz can be aged longer because these wines are top-notch. We're talking about a maximum of 10 years after the vintage.

What pairs fantastically with a red Zweigelt? A good piece of meat with red wine sauce is delicious. Pasta dishes, but also carpaccio and beautiful meat dishes. We can safely say that for Austrians, Zweigelt is the red wine to pair with meat. So if you're having a gourmet meal and want to serve something different, feel free to try a red Zweigelt.