Although Austria is perhaps best known for its white wines, notably Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, it also produces some very good red wines from local grape varieties such as Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, and a distinctive rosé (Schilcher) made from the indigenous Blauer Wildbacher grape in Western Styria.
Zweigelt is the most widely planted black grape variety in Austria but is a relatively new grape variety. It is a cross between Blaufränkisch and St Laurent, created in 1922 by Dr Friedrich “Fritz” Zweigelt, and typically produces deeply coloured reds with soft tannins and black fruit flavours. The St Laurent brings bright cherry aromas, and from Blaufränkisch, the wines take on a slightly spicy character and fresh acidity. If you like Pinot Noir, you should give Zweigelt a try.
Zweigelt, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference (2018)
This Zweigelt from Sainsbury’s is a perfectly good example of Austria’s signature red wine variety. Produced by the Huber family, now into their tenth generation as wine producers in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), the wine has aromas of tomato leaf, cherry, plum and blackberry on the nose, and flavours of plum and bramble on the palate, with a dash of spiciness and a hint of smokiness.
It is a well-balanced wine with medium (+) acidity, medium tannins and a medium (+) finish. A good match for lamb and poultry dishes. We have tried it with moussaka, and roast chicken, and it has worked very well.
Currently on offer at Sainsbury’s. £8