, Zweigelt: Another Lesser Known Red Wine Gem in BC

Kalala Organic Estate Winery Zweigelt 2018 with wine in glass

Zweigelt is a red grape that while not as obscure as the Blaufränkisch grape I wrote about earlier, is still relatively unknown in BC.  Only 0.7% of red grapes grown in BC are from Zweigelt.  This is a versatile and vibrant red grape variety, that is a cornerstone of Austrian viticulture. Named after its creator, Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, this grape has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide with its rich history, delightful aromas, and distinctive flavours.

Originating in Austria, Zweigelt is a relatively young red grape variety, created in 1922 by Dr. Zweigelt. He crossed two traditional Austrian grapes, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent, to develop a grape that would thrive in Austria’s diverse terroirs and produce wines with both depth and approachability.

Some key points about the climate conditions that suit Zweigelt:

Cool Climate Adaptability: Zweigelt is particularly well-suited to Austria’s cool climate. It ripens early and is resistant to cold temperatures. This adaptability allows the grape to grow in cooler, higher-altitude vineyards that may not be suitable for many other grape varieties.  This grape is perfect for BC’s varied climate.

Resistance to Frost: In terms of viticulture, Zweigelt is known for its resistance to frost, making it a great choice for the cold climate of Austria. This resilience allows it to thrive even during chilly winters making this grape perfect with BC’s varied climate.

Not Very Demanding: While Zweigelt is not very demanding in

This Article was originally published on My Wine Pal

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