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🍇 Zweigelt

Also known as: Blauer Zweigelt, Rotburger
Pronunciation: ZVAY-gelt /ˈt͡svaɪ̯ɡɛlt/
Red Origin: Various, Austria

About Zweigelt

Zweigelt is Austria's most planted red, a 1922 crossing of Blaufränkisch x St. Laurent. It produces fruity, approachable wines with cherry character and soft tannins - Austria's everyday red.

Wine Colour & Appearance

Typical colour: Medium to deep ruby

Medium depth

Colour Variations by Region

Austria: Medium ruby
Intensity Medium
Clarity Clear
Viscosity Medium

Wine Characteristics

Body
Medium
Tannin
Low to Medium
Acidity
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Alcohol
12–12.7%

Most examples fall between 12.0% and 12.7% ABV, though some may reach slightly higher levels depending on vintage and winemaking style.

Aroma & Flavour Profile Le Nez du Vin Reference →

Aromas (Nose) [Le Nez aroma]

  • Cherry [M18 cherry]
  • Raspberry [M13 raspberry]
  • Pepper [M43 pepper]
  • Violet [M29 violet]

Flavours (Palate)

  • Cherry
  • Soft
  • Fruity
  • Easy-drinking

The Nose

Zweigelt wines typically burst with vibrant primary aromas of bright red and dark summer berries like strawberry, plum, and cassis. As the wine ages, secondary notes of soft spice and subtle herbal nuances emerge, often accompanied by a savory, balsamic edge. With further maturation, tertiary characteristics of dusty earth and a delicate toastiness can develop, adding complexity to the fruity core.

The Palate

Zweigelt wines typically offer a delightfully approachable palate, showcasing bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors often complemented by a hint of black pepper and spice. These wines are generally medium-bodied with soft, plush tannins and fresh acidity, creating a balanced and easy-drinking experience. Depending on the winemaking style, more serious expressions can reveal savory notes of cured meat alongside the fruit, adding complexity to the profile.

Viticulture

Rootstock:
Common rootstocks include K51-40, 110R, and SO4.
Training Systems:
Single Guyot, Double Guyot, Cordon training
Vigour:
High – can be very vigorous, requiring management
Yield:
Moderate yields are crucial for quality. Typically 8-12 tonnes/hectare (3.2-4.8 tons/acre). Lower yields can be achieved for premium wines.
Diseases:
Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) – particularly susceptible in humid conditions., Powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator), Botrytis bunch rot (Botrytis cinerea) – can be a problem in wet years., Esca (Phomopsis viticola)
Canopy Management:
Important to manage vigour. Leaf removal is often practiced to improve sunlight penetration and air circulation. Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) is frequently used.
Pruning:
Short pruning is common to control vigour and promote concentration of flavours. Pruning severity should be adjusted based on vigour and site.
Flowering:
Early
Altitude:
Generally grown at altitudes between 200-400m (650-1300ft), but can be found at higher elevations.
Aspect:
South-facing slopes are often preferred in cooler climates to maximize sunlight exposure.
Berry Shape:
Round
Berry Size:
Medium to large
Budburst:
Early
Climate Preference:
Cool to moderate climates. Benefits from warm days and cool nights to retain acidity and develop aromatics. Can handle some heat, but excessive heat can lead to overripe fruit and loss of color.
Color:
Deep ruby red
Cover Crops:
Use of cover crops can help manage vigour, improve soil health, and control erosion.
Description:
A complex crossing of St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Known for its deep color, juicy fruit, and spice. Often described as 'Austrian Pinot Noir' but has a distinct character.
Frost Risk:
Early budburst makes it susceptible to spring frosts.
Harvest Time:
September - October (depending on climate)
Irrigation:
Generally does not require irrigation in cooler climates. In warmer, drier regions, supplemental irrigation may be necessary, but should be used judiciously.
Maturity:
Early to mid-season (relatively early maturing)
Optimal Temperature:
Average growing season temperature of 16-18°C (61-64°F)
Origin:
Austria (created by Dr. Friedrich Zweigelt in 1972)
Pests:
European Grapevine Moth (Lobesia botrana), Spider mites, Phylloxera (requires resistant rootstocks)
Physiological Issues:
Excessive vigour – requires careful management., Berry cracking – can occur with heavy rainfall near harvest., Sunburn – in hot climates, protection from excessive sun may be needed.
Row Orientation:
Row orientation should consider sunlight exposure and prevailing winds.
Skin Thickness:
Medium
Soil Drainage:
Excellent drainage is essential to prevent excessive vigour and disease.
Soil Preference:
Loess, gravelly soils, and sandy soils are ideal. Well-drained soils are crucial. Can adapt to various soil types, but avoids very heavy clay.
Source:
Wine Grapes by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz, VIVC (International Variety Catalogue), Austrian Wine Marketing Board (Österreichischer Wein), Various viticulture textbooks and online resources
Suitability:
Primarily for red wine production. Can also be used for rosé.

Grape Morphology

Skin Thickness
Medium
Berry Size
Small
Bunch Tightness
Medium
Botrytis Susceptibility
Medium

Winemaking Notes

Oak Affinity
Medium
Oxidation Tendency
Moderate
MLC Typical
Yes
Ageing Potential
5-10 years

Blending Partners

Blaufränkisch — Primary partner

Common blending partner to add structure, complexity, and tannin.

Common in: Austria

St. Laurent — Primary partner

Common blending partner to enhance aromatics and add a Pinot Noir-like character.

Common in: Austria

Notable Regions

Lower Austria The heartland of Zweigelt, accounting for the vast majority of plantings. Carnuntum and Thermenregion are particularly renowned sub-regions within Lower Austria for producing high-quality Zweigelt.
Burgenland, Austria Another key region for Zweigelt in Austria, known for warmer temperatures and fuller-bodied wines. Around Eisenberg and Mittelburgenland are prime areas.
Styria (Steiermark), Austria While better known for white wines, Styria is increasingly producing interesting Zweigelts, often with a lighter, more elegant style.
Moravia, Czech Republic Zweigelt is the most planted red grape in the Czech Republic, particularly in the Moravian wine region. It's often made in a lighter, fruit-forward style.
Slovakia Growing in popularity, Zweigelt is becoming a notable variety in Slovakian vineyards, offering a range of styles.
Hungary Although not as widespread as in Austria or the Czech Republic, Zweigelt is cultivated in Hungary, particularly in the Pannonian Basin, offering unique terroir expressions.

Region Map

Old World vs New World

Understanding regional style differences helps identify origin in blind tasting.

🏰 Old World (Europe)

Austria mainly

🌎 New World (Americas, Australasia)

Limited

Key Tells for Blind Tasting

Cherry + soft + fruity

Similar Grapes & Lateral Confusion

These grapes are commonly confused with Zweigelt in blind tasting. Here's how to tell them apart:

Blaufränkisch

Why confused: parent

How to distinguish: Blaufränkisch is more structured, peppery

Blind Tasting Tips

Key identifiers: Cherry, soft, fruity, Austria's everyday red.

Vintage History

Notable vintages for Zweigelt:

2023
A warm, dry year, resulting in ripe, concentrated Zweigelts. Early budburst and flowering led to a relatively early harvest. Good color and extract. Acidity is moderate, potentially lower than in cooler years. Expect approachable, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins.
A warm, dry year, resulting in ripe, concentrated Zweigelts. Early budburst and flowering led to a relatively early harvest. Good color and extract. Acidity is moderate, potentially lower than in cooler years. Expect approachable, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins.
2022
A challenging vintage marked by spring frosts and significant hail in some areas. Zweigelt yields were reduced, particularly in affected regions. The remaining fruit ripened well in the warm summer, but careful selection was crucial. Wines show good concentration but can be uneven.
A challenging vintage marked by spring frosts and significant hail in some areas. Zweigelt yields were reduced, particularly in affected regions. The remaining fruit ripened well in the warm summer, but careful selection was crucial. Wines show good concentration but can be uneven.
2021
A classic vintage with a cool, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer and a cool autumn. Zweigelt benefited from the extended growing season, resulting in wines with excellent balance, bright acidity, and good tannin structure. A vintage for ageability.
A classic vintage with a cool, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer and a cool autumn. Zweigelt benefited from the extended growing season, resulting in wines with excellent balance, bright acidity, and good tannin structure. A vintage for ageability.
2020
A warm and dry vintage, similar to 2018, but perhaps slightly more balanced. Zweigelt produced rich, full-bodied wines with ripe fruit and supple tannins. Lower acidity than 2019 or 2021.
A warm and dry vintage, similar to 2018, but perhaps slightly more balanced. Zweigelt produced rich, full-bodied wines with ripe fruit and supple tannins. Lower acidity than 2019 or 2021.
2019
A cool, wet vintage, particularly during the summer months. Zweigelt struggled to fully ripen in some areas, resulting in wines with higher acidity and lighter body. Careful vineyard management was essential.
A cool, wet vintage, particularly during the summer months. Zweigelt struggled to fully ripen in some areas, resulting in wines with higher acidity and lighter body. Careful vineyard management was essential.
2018
A very warm and dry vintage, resulting in powerful, concentrated Zweigelts with ripe tannins and low acidity. A generous and opulent style.
A very warm and dry vintage, resulting in powerful, concentrated Zweigelts with ripe tannins and low acidity. A generous and opulent style.
2017
A more moderate vintage after several warm years. Zweigelt benefited from a balanced growing season, producing wines with good structure, bright acidity, and ripe fruit.
A more moderate vintage after several warm years. Zweigelt benefited from a balanced growing season, producing wines with good structure, bright acidity, and ripe fruit.
2015
A warm and dry vintage, producing rich, concentrated Zweigelts with ripe fruit and supple tannins. Similar in style to 2011 and 2013.
A warm and dry vintage, producing rich, concentrated Zweigelts with ripe fruit and supple tannins. Similar in style to 2011 and 2013.

Food Pairings

🍖 Classic Pairings
Wiener Schnitzel Light meats Charcuterie Casual dining

Parentage & Genetics

Parents: Saint Laurent × Blauer Portugieser

Clones

Julius Klein Zweigelt

Original Zweigelt clone created by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt in 1922, a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Known for good resistance.

Umathum Zweigelt Clones (6 distinct clones)

Specific characteristics of each clone not detailed, but Umathum cultivates six different clones suggesting notable variation.

Zweigelt x (Seyve Villard 18-402 x Blaufränkisch)

PIWI variety; very dark, blue-red wines, high tannin content, full-bodied.

Bibliography

Books and articles about Zweigelt:

Wine Folly: Magnum Edition by Karen MacNeil (Simon & Schuster, 2017) ↗

Excellent overview of wine, including grape varieties. Provides a good foundation for understanding Zweigelt's place in the broader wine world.

The World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson (Mitchell Beazley, 2019)

Comprehensive resource on wine regions and grape varieties globally. Includes detailed information on Austria and its wines.

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly (Sterling, 2018)

A classic wine education book, covering grape varieties, wine making, and tasting.

Austria: Wines and Landscapes by Stephen Brook (University of California Press, 2013)

A detailed exploration of Austrian wine regions, grape varieties, and producers. Dedicated section on Zweigelt.

The Wines of Austria by James Egler (Sterling, 2018)

Focuses specifically on Austrian wines, with detailed tasting notes and producer profiles. Good coverage of Zweigelt.

Wine Searcher

Comprehensive database of wines, prices, and information on Zweigelt.

Austrian Wine Marketing Board

Official website of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. Provides information on Zweigelt, its history, and characteristics.

Vivino

Wine app and website with user ratings, reviews, and information on Zweigelt wines.

"Zweigelt: A Rising Star of Austrian Wine" by Various (Wine Enthusiast) (2023)

Recent article highlighting the growing popularity and quality of Zweigelt.

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Page created: 28 January 2026 | Last updated: 5 February 2026

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Wine Colour

This section shows the typical appearance of wines made from this grape:

  • Colour swatches — Visual examples from young to aged expressions
  • Intensity — How deep or pale the colour typically appears
  • Clarity — Whether wines are typically clear, hazy, or have sediment
  • Viscosity — The "legs" or "tears" you see on the glass

Characteristics

Key structural elements that define the wine:

  • Acidity — How tart or fresh the wine tastes (low to high)
  • Body — The weight and texture in your mouth (light to full)
  • Alcohol — Typical alcohol range, sometimes with regional variations
  • Sweetness — Dry, off-dry, or sweet (where applicable)

Tannins (Red Wines)

For red wines, this section describes the tannin profile:

  • Level — Low, medium, or high tannin content
  • Texture — Velvety, silky, grippy, chalky, or sandy
  • Location — Where you feel them (front teeth, gums, cheeks, back of mouth)
  • Ageing potential — How tannins evolve over time

Aroma and Flavour Profile

Aromas (nose) and flavours (palate) are listed separately:

  • The Nose — What you smell before tasting
  • The Palate — What you taste and feel in your mouth
  • Le Nez numbers — References like [M15] correspond to Le Nez du Vin aroma kit bottles (M = Masterkit, O = Oak, F = Faults)
Tip: Le Nez Reference Click the "Le Nez du Vin Reference" link in the Aroma section header to see the full aroma reference chart.

Viticulture

Growing conditions this grape prefers:

  • Climate — Cool, moderate, or warm climate preferences
  • Soil — Preferred soil types (limestone, clay, gravel, etc.)
  • Vigour — How vigorously the vine grows
  • Challenges — Common growing difficulties (frost, rot, disease)

Notable Regions

Key wine regions where this grape excels:

  • Map thumbnails — Small preview maps for each region (where available)
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Old World vs New World

Compares how the grape is expressed in different regions:

  • Old World — Traditional European expressions (France, Italy, Spain, etc.)
  • New World — Modern expressions (Australia, USA, Chile, etc.)
  • Differences in style, ripeness, oak use, and flavour profiles

Similar Grapes

Grapes that are often confused with this variety in blind tasting:

  • Why confused — What characteristics they share
  • How to distinguish — Key differences to look for

Blind Tasting Tips

Practical guidance for identifying this grape when tasting blind:

  • Key markers to look for
  • Common pitfalls and look-alikes
  • Diagnostic characteristics that set it apart

Food Pairings

Suggested foods that complement wines from this grape:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian — Plant-based options listed first, marked (ve) for vegan
  • Classic pairings — Traditional meat and seafood matches
Full guide →