The Wine Reference🍷 SupportZweigelt grape
Zweigelt is a red grape known for cherry, plum, pepper. Its best-known homes are Austria.
Origin and history
Bred in 1922 by Dr Fritz Zweigelt at the Klosterneuburg research institute near Vienna, crossing Blaufränkisch with St. Laurent.
Where it grows
Throughout Austria, notably Niederösterreich (Carnuntum, Weinviertel) and Burgenland (Neusiedlersee); also Czechia, Hungary and a little in England and Canada.
Structure
Light to medium body, soft to medium tannins and fresh, juicy acidity; easy-drinking in its most common style.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: sour cherry, raspberry, plum and a dash of pepper. With age: dried cherry, spice, chocolate and earth.
Ageing
Most drink best within 1–4 years; oaked and old-vine examples can age 8–10 years.
Also known as
Blauer Zweigelt, Rotburger.
Good to know
Austria's most planted red grape; its creator's Nazi party membership has led some to call for a return to its original name, Rotburger.
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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