Get to Know More Austrian Wine
I recently returned from a trip to Austria and while I know they made Gruner Veltliner, and lots of it, there were some surprises along the way that perked up my buds.
The Pinot Noirs turned out to be more than halfway decent and the Blaufrankisch while very hit and miss – the ones that were good were really very good.
But the biggest surprise of the trip, for me, were all the Zweigelts, these wines were full of great fruit and flavour – and like with most grapes, the older the grapes the richer and more concentrated the wine.
Not sure whether we’ll see any of these on our shores but here were three of my absolute stand outs:
Hagn 2012 Blauer Zweigelt
Chocolate, vanilla and cherry – this wine could have posed as a Zinfandel and I’d have been none the wiser – what a great balance of flavours and aromas.
Erich Schleiblhofer 2012 Zweigelt “Pradium”
Rich and juicy with black cherry, chocolate and vanilla taking charge from the beginning then adding a big mocha finish for its finale.
Paul Achs 2012 Zweigelt “Alte Reben”
These 28-45 year old vines produce lots of red fruit: strawberry and cherry with a somewhat jammy yet juicy element, acidity swings in for balance on the finish.