BIO wine grapes - Zweigelt

In the 1920s, the variety was crossed from Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent by its namesake Professor Fritz Zweigelt and only became a success story after the war. A key factor was that the winegrowing pioneer Prof. Lenz Moser planted the variety on a larger scale and also recommended it to others. As the most widely cultivated red wine grape in Austria, the spectrum of Blue Zweigelt ranges from young, easy-drinking wines to powerful growths from the barrique barrel.

Significance, demands

As the most widely cultivated red wine variety in Austria – it finds favourable locations in all wine-growing regions – its spectrum ranges from young, easy-drinking wines matured without wood to powerful growths from the barrique. The variety is also often used as a partner for cuvées. Great wines are vinified especially in Carnuntum and on Lake Neusiedl. The variety has low soil requirements, but due to its good fertility, it requires intensive foliage work and yield regulation. In the case of potassium deficiency, high yield stress and a number of other stress factors (water and nutrient stress, waterlogging, unfavourable leaf/fruit ratio, extreme temperatures, etc.), the grapes wilt during the ripening phase. The complex of causes has not yet been sufficiently clarified and researched. Wilted grapes cannot be processed into wine.

Wine

The variety produces red wines with violet reflections and strong tannins. When fully ripe, full-bodied and long-lasting wines with sour cherry aromas are created. High-quality wines are also matured in barriques.

About the producer

Heinrich and Marie-Sophie Hartl are one of the leading winegrowing couples in the thermal region south of Vienna. Their family has been producing complex red wines from the leading varieties Pinot Noir and St. Laurent for six generations, as well as fine whites that are always fruity, complex and well-balanced. A special focus is placed here on the autochthonous Rotgipfler and Zierfandler, both perfect food companions for hearty and spicy dishes. Numerous awards in the SALON Österreich Wein and international competitions (IWC, Decanter World Wine Awards) prove that Heinrich and Marie-Sophie are able to handle the versatile terroir of the thermal region excellently. The family business is a founding member of the "Burgundermacher", who produce some of the best Burgundy wines in Austria.