The Zweigelt (= "Blue Zweigelt") is almost symbolic of the dry, light Austrian red wine, which is fruity, round and almost without tannins. Breeder Dr. Fritz Zweigelt developed it in 1922, and the Zweigelt is today the most cultivated red vine in Austria and grows on more that 14% of the country's total vineyard area. It originated from a crossing of the vines St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Since the Zweigelt has rather low demands on a good soil and climate, it has settled in practically all cultivated areas of Austria. The Zweigelt is suitable in its uncomplicated way as a charming everyday red wine, but there are also a few concentrated and relatively complex red wines like the Sacris from Salzl, if the yield is strictly limited. Then it is even suitable for storage in small wooden barrels, which add flavor and structure to the wine.
