What the hell is Zweigelt? And then you pass it by, and settle for another boring bottle of mass production plonk that you bought the last time you visited the wine shop. Put down the K.J and broaden your damn wine horizons. Want to try? Here is a really fun, ultra fresh, focused, and ultimately uncomplicated bottle that, well, you should just try. Why? Zweigelt is the most widely planted grape varietal in all of Austria. It is a crossing of 2 grape varietals, Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent. Thank you Fritz Zweigelt! That is reason enough to try it, don’t you think? A great producer to introduce you to this varietal is Berger. Selected by the God when it comes to Austria, that being the wine industry phenom we all know as Terry Theise. Look for his name on the back of the bottle, and you are assured something good is waiting for you within. What’s it like:
The wine pours a simple, light color redolent of liquified bright red cherries. Aromas bring to mind a bag of freshly plucked-again…cherries. With some airing, the wine brings forth a mineral component not unlike that found in a fresh water stream. Many describe this as “wet stone.” A very “au natural” fruit sweetness radiates from the glass, accented by balancing tang, and verve. In the mouth I am reminded of how juicy and good those Ranier cherries are out of Washington state. I find them here. Flavors are pristine, pure, very clean, and ever so soft and gentle. Perhaps somewhat akin to a Pinot Noir? The tannins here offer up only the slightest bitter, and are part of the delicious whole. The wine is highly quaffable, and takes on a slight chill with ease, and in fact welcomes it. Perfect with lighter fare, a burger, grilled sausage, or perhaps river Salmon. Or, just drink it while doing a little spring cleaning.
A short, simple, pristine, easy to swallow bit of music (such as this one here) captures the pure, uncomplicated flavors of this fun loving gulper. Take a sip!
