In the 1920s, Professor Fritz Zweigelt made a significant contribution to viticulture with the creation of the Zweigelt grape variety.
This crossing between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent has become the most widespread red wine variety in Austria, renowned for its versatility and high-quality production across all the country's wine-producing regions.
The Parentage and Development of Zweigelt
Dr. Fritz Zweigelt developed the Zweigelt grape in 1922 at the Teaching and Research Centre for Viticulture and Horticulture (LFZ) in Klosterneuburg. Combining the qualities of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, Zweigelt aimed to create a grape variety that could thrive in Austrian vineyards and produce exceptional wine. Despite its promising attributes, Zweigelt did not gain significant recognition until after World War II.
Lenz Moser's Influence and Vineyard Expansion
Zweigelt owes much of its widespread distribution to Lenz Moser, a pivotal figure in Austrian viticulture. Moser endorsed the variety and planted it extensively using his high vine training system, which allowed for greater efficiency and yield in vineyards. By the end of the 19th century, as the planting of red wine varieties increased, Zweigelt, often referred to as Blauer Zweigelt, became the most common red wine grape in Austria.
Modern-Day Cultivation and Regional Significance
Today, Zweigelt remains the most important red wine variety in Austria, thriving in all the country's wine-growing regions. Between 1999 and 2020, the area under Zweigelt cultivation increased dramatically and has since stabilized. Each Austrian wine region offers favorable conditions for growing this variety, which can produce a range of wines from youthful and fresh to mature and complex.
In particular, regions such as Carnuntum and the area around Lake Neusiedl are known for producing premium Zweigelt wines. The variety is often used in cuvée blends and is appreciated for its ability to adapt to various winemaking techniques, including élevage in barriques, which enhances its quality and aging potential.
Viticultural Characteristics and Challenges
Zweigelt is not overly demanding in terms of soil but requires careful pruning and yield management due to its high fertility. The grape is susceptible to several stress factors, including a lack of potash, high yields, water and nutrient stress, waterlogging, and extreme temperatures. These stresses can lead to grape wilting during ripening, rendering them unusable for wine production. The complex interactions of these factors are not yet fully understood, highlighting a need for further research.
Vineyard Area in Austria
As of the latest data, Zweigelt is cultivated over a total area of 6,067.68 hectares in Austria, distributed as follows:
- Niederösterreich: 3,454.45 ha (56.93%)
- Burgenland: 2,302.92 ha (37.95%)
- Steiermark: 264.77 ha (4.36%)
- Wien: 32.54 ha (0.54%)
- Bergland: 13.00 ha (0.21%)
Characteristics and Wine Profile
Zweigelt wines typically exhibit a purplish-red color and strong tannins. Fully ripe grapes yield full-bodied wines with aromas of morello cherry and good longevity. The variety's flexibility in winemaking techniques allows for the production of high-quality wines with or without wood aging, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Wine Tasting
We have chosen these two wines from Kamptal and Kremstal because these regions are renowned for their exceptional terroir and favorable climatic conditions, which contribute to the production of high-quality wines. Kamptal's diverse soils and unique microclimates enable the cultivation of grapes that exhibit intense flavors and aromatic complexity. Similarly, Kremstal's ideal conditions for viticulture result in wines with remarkable depth, richness, and balance.
- Weingut Petra Unger, Zweigelt Furth: Zweigelt Furth captivates the eye with its dark ruby hue, which is accentuated by enticing violet reflexes. On the nose, it unveils an intense bouquet of dark-red cherries and raspberries. These primary fruit aromas are beautifully complemented by subtle notes of fine herbs, creating a complex and inviting aromatic profile. The palate of Zweigelt Furth is a burst of fruitiness, mirroring the dark-red cherries and raspberries found on the nose. This vibrant fruit character is enriched by an underlying herbal spiciness, adding depth and intrigue to the overall flavor profile. Medium-bodied with soft tannins, this Zweigelt is remarkably smooth and well-balanced.
- Weingut Steininger, Zweigelt Reserve 2017: This wine greets the eye with a deep red hue, interspersed with violet tinges that hint at its richness and depth. On the nose, the wine reveals an enticing bouquet that captivates from the first inhalation. Amarena cherries and blueberries dominate the aromatic profile, offering a luscious and fruity scent. The palate of this wine is a true delight, showcasing ripe fruit flavors that burst forth with a sweet extract, reminiscent of a rich berry compote. The vibrant notes of cherries and blueberries continue to shine, enhanced by the wine's smooth and velvety texture.
Conclusion
Zweigelt, a creation of Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, has become a cornerstone of Austrian red wine. Thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Lenz Moser, Zweigelt has achieved widespread cultivation and acclaim. Its adaptability, high quality, and distinctive characteristics ensure that it remains a flagship variety in Austria's viticultural landscape, continuing to delight wine enthusiasts both domestically and internationally.