Where there is sun, there is also shadow. Since the political orientation of the inventor, especially after 1945, was sometimes violently and correctly also publicly discussed, the young grape variety was initially referred to as Rotburger. In the 1950s, Prof. Lenz Moser recognized the potential of the grape variety and campaigned strongly for the variety currently most planted in Austria to be named after its producer. Officially, in 1975, the designation Blauer Zweigelt was included in the wine law. The strain’s rapidly growing popularity over the past few decades is built on its versatility. On the one hand there are top-quality wines at the highest level and on the other hand there are popular consumer wines in the classic range. The soft, low-tannin red wine is typically recognizable by its violet-reddish colour. The aroma is primarily characterized by dark stone fruit (cherry, sour cherries) and the leading variety is very soft, full-bodied and juicy on the palate. Supplemented by mild tannins and subtle herbal spices. Mainly cultivated as a pure variety and also as a popular cuvée partner for many varieties, the vines thrive very well in almost all domestic wine-growing regions.
Sorte feels particularly at home on the north side of Lake Neusiedl. Where more than 100 winegrowers came together 10 years ago to give the popular variety a clear profile of origin, there are optimal conditions: the Pannonian climate with very warm days and cool nights on the one hand provides the best conditions for the formation of sugar and aroma and on the other hand, it is the soil structures of the salt and soda varnishes that are present in many places that characterize the taste profile. On top of that Lake Neusiedl as a climate regulator and winegrowers who understand their craftsmanship. Consequently, this led to the creation of the Neusiedlersee DAC designation of origin. In addition to Prädikat wines, DAC Classic wines are produced – fruity, moderate alcohol levels, accompanying wood tones and a soft, rounded taste make this category the most frequently enjoyed red wine in the country. The premium segment is occupied by the Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve. Expanded in large or small wooden barrels (Barrique), aromatic impressions of dark berries, black cherries and enormous expressiveness are revealed. A full-bodied wine with a fruity and spicy taste and a long finish on the palate. To put it in a nutshell: where Neusiedlersee DAC is on the label, the area with all its special features is in the bottle and this proves itself wonderfully on the palate.
Source: Nachrichten
