Blauer Zweigelt 2023

Wine description for Blauer Zweigelt 2023 by Nittnaus Anita & Hans

Colour & appearance

Dense, luminous purple with intense violet reflections — a wine that already displays its youthful vitality in the glass.

Nose

Exuberant and inviting, dominated by juicy dark fruit: morello cherry, cassis, sweet cherry and blackberry intermingle with ripe fig. Behind this, a distinctive spiciness of juniper, black pepper and rosemary emerges. Liquorice and sweet root lend balsamic depth, accompanied by a subtle chocolatey nuance. Rustic hints of undergrowth and twigs, along with a fine floral note, complete the bouquet — authentic, accessible and appealingly down-to-earth.

Palate

Juicy and straightforward. A surprisingly grippy acidity provides structure and ensures an invigorating drinking flow. The tannins remain remarkably fine, almost silky, allowing the acidity to take centre stage and lend tension to the dark fruit. With increasing aeration, the spicy and herbal components come more to the fore, while the fruit deliberately steps back. Light-footed, fresh and honest — a wine without excessive concentration that convinces through clarity and an uncomplicated character.

Finish

Fresh and spicy, with lingering dark fruit and a touch of black pepper. The lively acidity ensures a clean, moreish finish.

Terroir & origin

The Nittnaus family’s vineyards lie half around Gols on warm sandy soils, and half in the cooler Leithaberg region near Jois. This combination of limestone and schist soils on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl shapes the wines with minerality and freshness. The family has cultivated their vines here since 1684.

Grape variety & vinification

Zweigelt, Austria’s most widely planted red grape variety, shows its accessible, fruit-driven side here. The Nittnaus family has been farming biodynamically since 2007; diverse cover crops grow between the vine rows, and compost replaces artificial fertilisers. Spontaneous fermentation allows the wines their natural development.

Food recommendations

The grippy acidity and spicy fruit make this Zweigelt a versatile everyday wine: Wiener Schnitzel, braised leg of lamb with rosemary, pasta with mushroom ragù or spicy grilled sausages. Also a delightful combination with ripe Camembert.

Special characteristics

A Zweigelt that deliberately focuses on drinkability: no excessive concentration, but rather honesty and an uncomplicated character that offers great pleasure both on its own and as a versatile food companion. Its appealingly rustic aromatic profile sets it apart from polished, international styles.