Zweigelt is the most widely planted Austrian red grape. It is a cross between 2 indigenous Austrian varietals- Blaufrankisch and St Laurent (both thought to be relatives of Pinot Noir). The grape was created by a guy named… you guessed it, Fritz Zweigelt.
Generally I tend to drink more Blaufranksich. I think this is one of the most exciting grapes out there. There’s good reason that Zweigelt created Zweiglet though, Blaufrankisch is very fickle. It only really works well in the Panonian climate of the Burgenland (warmer and more mild compared to the rest of Austria).
The Gobelsburger Zweigelt is a wonderful example of colder climate Austrian Red. The wine is very light in body and color. It has lovely acidity that carries through the wine and sweet, delicate red fruit (the wine is most definitely dry though). Schloss Gobelsburg is located in the Kamptal (approx 1 hour northwest of Vienna) along the Danube River. They, and the area, are best known for dry whites (Gruner Veltliner and Reisling) but this wine, along with their sparkling wine and desert wines, shows their talent as a winery.
I highly suggest this wine and at $166 a case or $13.83 a bottle it is a steal. Email if interested- acuteanglewines@gmail.com
