Zweigelt

Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape, a 1922 crossing of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent created by Fritz Zweigelt at Klosterneuburg. It combines the spice and structure of the first with the juicy cherry fruit of the second, producing wines that are bright, supple and easy to love: sour cherry, raspberry, pepper and a hint of violet, with soft tannins and lively acidity. Most is made to be drunk young and slightly chilled, but from the Carnuntum, Burgenland and Weinviertel regions, old vines and careful growers produce more serious, age-worthy reds, rosé and pét-nat.