From my last 2 trips to the BC Okanagan, I sampled several red wines made from the Zweigelt grape. Zweigelt isn't a household name, but I think it should be more well-known. It is a grape conceived in Austria in the 1920's by crossing Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. You may say it is now the signature red grape of Austria. It has winter hardiness which is one reason why I think it is becoming more popular in the Okanagan. The name of the grape btw, comes from the Austrian plant-breeder Prof. Fritz Zweigelt.
The wines I tried were all quite full bodied, but did not have the big firm tannins of other varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Some have said that Zweigelt is more similar to Gamay in France.Some BC producers of Zweigelt are:
- Stonehill Estate Winery
- Kalala Organic Estate Winery
- Hainle Vineyards
- Mistral
- Arrowleaf Cellars
and many more.
My recent review of the Stonehill Estate Winery Zweigelt Reserve 2006 ($19.90). "...had a dark cherry cordial type aroma. Very smooth in the mouth, with more dark cherry cordial and plum flavour. This wine, and grape, has a nice richness to it that makes it go well with a stew over the winter".
Give a bottle of Zweigelt wine a try and see what you think. Enjoy!
