Zweigelt

Zweigelt is a red wine grape variety developed in Austria. It is the country’s most widely planted red grape and is valued for producing approachable, versatile wines. The variety was created in 1922 by viticulturist Fritz Zweigelt at the Institute for Viticulture and Pomology in Klosterneuburg as a cross between Blaufränkisch (Lemberger) and St. Laurent. In many markets the grape is sold under the synonym Rotburger.

The vine yields wines that are typically medium-bodied with a ruby color, offering moderate tannins and acidity. Primary aromas and flavors commonly include cherry and red berry fruit, often complemented by plum, spice, and pepper notes. Styles range from fresh, fruit-forward wines to more structured examples that can take on secondary character with age.

Regions and cultivation: Zweigelt ripens relatively early and adapts to a variety of warm-site conditions, making it well suited to Austrian vineyards. It is strongly associated with Austria’s Burgenland and Niederösterreich, where it is most widely planted. Outside Austria, Zweigelt is grown in smaller quantities in Germany and in parts of North America, including Canada (notably Ontario and British Columbia) and the United States. The wine is sometimes labeled Rotburger in markets where the synonym is preferred.

Wine styles and food pairing: Zweigelt wines are generally suited to casual consumption and everyday meals. They pair well with pork, poultry, sausages, grilled vegetables, and soft cheeses. Some producers also craft oak-influenced styles that show more structure and aging potential.