Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Zweigelt was bred in 1922 by Fritz Zweigelt at Klosterneuburg in Austria, by crossing St. Laurent with Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos). At first it was called Rotburger, then it was renamed after its breeder. It is Austria's most planted red grape and is grown widely in Hungary, especially in Kunság, Eger and Sopron. Its wines are fruity and spicy, with cherry notes, fresh acidity and medium tannins. It ripens mid-season, usually in the second half of September.
Characteristics
Black wine grape; mid-season ripening (second half of September); medium bunches; blue-black berries that can colour unevenly; cherry-scented red wine with medium tannins; vigorous and very fertile; open, airy canopy; needs rich, deep soil; less frost-hardy than Kékfrankos; moderate drought tolerance; sensitive to overcropping
Growing Tips
Zweigelt is very fertile and sensitive to overcropping, so thin the bunches each summer. An overloaded vine, or one short of potassium, tends to wilt as the grapes ripen. It wants deep, nutrient-rich soil and moderate summer care, since its canopy is naturally open. It is less frost-hardy than Kékfrankos and somewhat more prone to rot.