Neusiedlersee DAC: Neusiedlersee is a wine-growing region in the east of Austria, more precisely in the province of Burgenland. DAC stands for “Districtus Austriae Controllatus”, a controlled designation of origin in Austria. This indicates that the wine comes from a specific region and meets certain quality and production standards.Reserve: The term “reserve” typically means that the wine has been aged for an extended period of time or has undergone special winemaking techniques to improve its quality and complexity. Specific aging requirements for a “reserve” wine may vary by wine region and local regulations.
Zweigelt NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC RESERVE: All about the Austrian red wine
Zweigelt is a red grape variety that originated in Austria. It is one of the most widely grown red grape varieties in the country and is often considered the flagship red grape of Austria. The grape was created in 1922 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, who crossed two other red grape varieties, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, to develop this new grape.
Zweigelt wines from Austria are known for their bright red color, fruity aromas and medium to full body. Aromas typically include red fruits such as cherries and raspberries with some spicy and herbal notes. The grape’s natural acidity and moderate tannins make it versatile and easy to pair with a variety of foods.
Zweigelt NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC RESERVE: the grape variety
Austria has several wine regions and Zweigelt is grown in many of them, including Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna. Each region can give the wines their unique terroir and characteristics.
Zweigelt can be made into different styles of wine, from fresh and fruity examples for early consumption to more complex and mature wines. Some producers also make Zweigelt-based rosé wines, which are often light and refreshing.
If you are looking for a tasty and approachable red wine with Austrian character, exploring Zweigelt from Austria is definitely a good option. As always, it’s a good idea to try different producers and vintages to discover your personal preferences within that grape variety.
origin, provenance and ancestry
St. Laurent x Blaufränkisch = Zweigelt. It was bred by Prof. Fritz (actually Friedrich) Zweigelt, he was a botanist and experimented with different varieties at the viticulture school in Klosterneuburg (higher federal institute for viticulture and fruit growing). Here, especially after the bad years with phylloxera, new grape varieties were bred and research was carried out into how the vines and vines became more resistant to vine diseases and how the yield could be increased. This new breed quickly became very popular and Lenz Moser, who incidentally was a student and lifelong admirer of Zweigelt, took care of its distribution. His origin is therefore: LFZ (Federal Teaching Institute) Klosterneuburg.
Demands on climate, soil and vineyards
Zweigelt is a versatile grape variety that can adapt to different climates, but tends to perform best under certain climatic conditions. The grape is well suited to the continental climate that prevails in many parts of Austria, where it originated and is most commonly grown.
The continental climate typically has the following characteristics:
Warm summers: Zweigelt thrives in warm, sunny conditions that allow the grapes to fully ripen and develop their characteristic fruit aromas.
Cold winters: The vine needs a rest period during the winter months to rest and prepare for the next growing season. Cold winters are critical for plant health and successful bud break in the spring.
Moderate rainfall: while the vine needs water to grow, excessive rainfall during the growing season can dilute the flavor of the grapes and increase the risk of disease. In general, moderate rainfall, ideally with dry periods during harvest, is favorable.
Sufficient sunlight: Zweigelt benefits from abundant sunlight during the growing season. Sunlight aids photosynthesis and allows grapes to accumulate sugars and develop their flavor profile.
Wind protection: Wind can have both positive and negative effects on vines. While some air circulation can be helpful in preventing disease, strong, drying winds can stress plants. Adequate wind protection, such as natural barriers or planting vineyards in sheltered areas, can be helpful.
growing areas of the vine
Zweigelt is one of the most widely grown red grape varieties in the country and is considered the flagship grape variety of the Austrian wine industry.
The majority of Zweigelt vineyards are located in the eastern part of Austria, especially in the province of Burgenland, which is known for its red wines. Burgenland is located on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl, and the region’s diverse soils and microclimates are particularly well suited for growing Zweigelt grapes.
In addition to Burgenland, Zweigelt is also grown in other Austrian wine regions such as Lower Austria and Vienna. The grape’s adaptability and ability to thrive in different terroirs have contributed to its popularity and widespread cultivation.
It should be noted that the acreage of grape varieties may change over time due to market demand, changing tastes, and other factors affecting the wine industry. Therefore, the actual growing area of Zweigelt in Austria may have changed since my last update. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, I recommend checking with official sources or wine organizations in Austria.
Zweigelt Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve in Austria
Where in Austria grows Zweigelt Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve in Austria? The growing area is located in the east of Austria between Lake Neusiedl and the Hungarian border. The special microclimate of Lake Neusiedl provides ripeness and freshness coupled with minerality from salt varnishes.
The Neusiedlersee DAC wine region is an internationally leading Zweigelt growing area in terms of quality.
Zweigelt Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve: the wine
The Zweigelt (also Blauer Zweigelt, Rotburger) is one of the “recommended grape varieties”, partly because it is counted as a type of Vitis Vinifera (more about this can be found in the quality wine grape variety regulation). The Zweigelt is a versatile type of wine, suitable for “old and young”, it can be easily expanded, but also mature in barriques (with more or less “wood”) to a fine drop, which definitely has storage potential and is therefore one of the storage wines. Sometimes the Zweigelt is also added to cuvées, together with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, for example. Fine rosé is also often made from Zweigelt. This grape is therefore one of the most successful new breeds and has had a strong influence on viticulture.
colour, taste and aromas
The color of the Zweigelt variety is a dark, often bluish-red red. Its bouquet (nose) is usually very fresh and fruity, but can also be spicy. Of course, the taste depends on the development, from berries, plums, green fruits (if harvested too early), cherries, herbal tones, chocolate, banana, vanilla tones and roasted aromas, everything is possible. In the ideal case, the acidity of the Zweigelt wines is well balanced and the tannins are moderate.
With which dishes does the Zweigelt Neusiedlersee DAC reserve go well?
Its popularity lies in its versatility and quality: a young Zweigelt can be served with pasta, poultry or vegetables, or rather with light dishes. After a certain maturation period, a Blauer Zweigelt that has been matured in barrique barrels goes better with heavier dishes such as roast beef, shoulder of lamb or stews. It also tastes great with spicy cheese or blue cheese.
The Nestor Zweigelt Neusiedlersee The Reserve from Austria
The NESTOR Zweigelt was aged in used French oak barrels and brings everything a DAC Zweigelt needs: it is quaffable, it is fruity…. on the nose you perceive dark berries, on the palate heart cherry. It has a good draw when drunk, the tannins are pleasant, not too strong and it is simply enjoyable and goes well with any meal.
Zweigelt "NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC", winery STADLER
In the European wine law, wines are basically divided into three groups, one of which is quality wine, and here there is the sub-group of quality wine with DAC. What does this “DAC” actually mean? DAC means “Districtus Austriae Controllatus”, so these are regionally typical Austrian quality wines that may only be designated as such if they meet certain criteria. For the DAC Neusiedlersee, there are essentially two varieties: the Zweigelt, which is classic but can also be made as a reserve, and the Trockenbeerenauslese, which tastes great in this region. The Trockenbeerenauslese can also be found in our range in the online shop.
The Zweigelt DAC must be strong, typical of the variety, the alcohol content must be at least 13%, sugar must not be more than 4 grams per liter. There are also other provisions that can be called up in the RIS (legislation for the DAC regulation “Neusiedlersee”).
Many red wines are pressed in the Stadler winery, the Zweigelt has always been one of them here, the vineyard area is currently around 10 hectares.
Zweigelt "NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC RESERVE", NESTOR
Our Zweigelt NESTOR “NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC RESERVE” is still allowed to mature in the barrels and will not be bottled until 2023, we are already waiting eagerly and are very happy!
We are happy to advise you personally
We will help you to choose the right wines for your very personal wine experience.
Give us a call!