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Zweigelt: Austria’s Red Wine Classic
In the early 20th century, Austrian viticulture saw a remarkable breakthrough with the creation of Zweigelt. In 1922, Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, a pioneering viticulturist at the Klosterneuburg Wine Research Institute near Vienna, crossed Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent in search of a grape that would unite the fruit and spice of the former with the elegance and finesse of the latter. His bold experiment gave birth to Zweigelt, a variety that would become the foundation of Austria’s red wine identity.
Officially named after its creator in 1975, Zweigelt grew in prominence thanks to its resilience, generous yields, and ability to produce wines of both approachability and depth. Today, it is Austria’s most widely planted red grape, admired by winemakers and wine lovers alike.
Zweigelt adapts well across regions, but it finds its fullest expression in Burgenland. Here, the warmth of the sun, the gentle slopes, and the influence of Lake Neusiedl create ideal conditions for the grape to show its character. In this setting, Zweigelt reveals a vibrant violet color, aromas of sour cherry and ripe blackberry, and soft layers of vanilla and spice shaped by careful oak aging.
On the palate, Zweigelt from Burgenland offers a generous balance of juicy fruit, fresh acidity, and smooth tannins. With time, it develops greater depth, revealing notes of leather, earth, and forest floor. Each bottle reflects the tradition and landscape of the region.
Whether paired with goulash, Wiener schnitzel, or grilled vegetables, Zweigelt from Burgenland invites you to enjoy more than a wine. It invites you to experience a living tradition shaped by nature, care, and the passion of Austria’s winemakers
