Zweigelt

Rote Sorten :: Zweigelt

• General: Austria's red parade variety was brought together by Fritz Zweigelt in 1922 in Klosterneuburg from the two autochthonous varieties Blaufränkisch (Lemberger) x St. Laurent. It is also known as "Blauer Zweigelt", "Rotburger" or "Zweigeltrebe" and is the second most important grape variety in the neighbouring country after Grüner Veltliner. The winegrowers around Lake Neusiedl (approx. 1,500 ha) and in the Weinviertel (approx. 1,700 ha) represent the variety strongly in winegrowing and help it to achieve an area share of approx. 14%, which corresponds to about 6,600 ha. Outside Austria, Zweigelt is found to a lesser extent in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
• Cluster: The medium to large grapes are often shouldered and tightly packed. The juicy hard-skinned berries are typically medium sized and oval shaped.
• Wine: On the nose, the wines are described by soft fruit, some rosehip confit, vanilla and are reminiscent of forest floor. On the palate, the wines are powerful with dark berry hints and a mineral aftertaste. In its colour, aroma and discreet tannins, it is close to St. Laurent.
• Cultivation: The variety has no special demands on location or soil. It is robust against fungal diseases. Well-aerated sites and deep soils suit the early-maturing Zweigelt, which is susceptible to botrytis. The strong growth and uneven ripening on the vine makes regulation in the foliage and yield necessary. Depending on the location and the vintage weather, vintners report the occurrence of grape wilt, known as "Zweigelt disease".