good wine - The Michael Pour

I had the pleasure of sipping this wine over the holiday season with in-laws. It was a nice change of pace from what I typically drink even though it reminds me of a nice Pinot and Lemberger all in one bottle.

Did you know that the country of Austria produces some really good wine? Can they grow red grapes and produce red wine in their cold climate? Although Austria is better known for its white wine, it does grow and produce some surprisingly good reds that are unique to the red wine world.

Austria as a whole is still white wine country, but of the 30% or so red vineyards, the most widely planted grape is Zweigelt by far. Zweigelt (pronounced TSVY-galt) and other reds are nothing like the new world reds in California, Chile, Argentina, and Australia nor old world reds in France, Italy, and Spain. Austria’s reds are very similar in style to Germany reds.

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries – Germany to the northwest, Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, Slovenia to the south, Italy to the southwest, and Switzerland to the west

Zweigelt is a relatively young grape variety, having been created in 1922. The grape is a cross between the St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch grape varieties, which are native to Austria. It is a versatile grape that is grown throughout Austria’s wine regions. It is well-suited to Austria’s cool climate, as it ripens early and is resistant to cold temperatures. This allows the grape to be grown in cooler, higher-altitude vineyards, which are not suitable for many other grape varieties.

When you go to buy red wine and looking for something new and different, consider Zweigelt, and in particular the one I’m featuring in this post as well as one from Weis Vineyards, German winery off Keuka Lake located in the beautiful Finger Lakes, NY. Weis also produces a Dry Rose from the Zweigelt grape. Check them out! They are one of the best wineries in New York State.

The grape generally produces medium-bodied wines with moderate acidity and tannins. The wine has a vibrant ruby color and aromas of dark berries, such as blackberry and black cherry, as well as spicy notes of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, it has a smooth, velvety texture with flavors of dark fruit, warm spice, vanilla, and sometimes even a hint of chocolate.

Zweigelt is a very food-friendly wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is especially good with meat dishes, like roasted pork, beef, lamb, and duck, as well as with hearty vegetable dishes and warm stews in the winter.

Zweigelt is also an excellent choice for those looking for a more affordable alternative to some of the more well-known red wine varieties. While it is not as well-known as some other grape varieties, Zweigelt is gaining popularity among wine lovers, both in Austria and abroad.

Austrian wine, in general, has gained a reputation for high quality and unique flavors, and Zweigelt is no exception. In recent years, Austrian winemakers have increasingly focused on producing high-quality Zweigelt wines, and the grape has been gaining recognition and awards at international wine competitions.

In all, Zweigelt is a versatile, affordable, and high-quality red wine grape variety that is gaining popularity among wine lovers worldwide. With its unique flavor profile and food-friendly nature, it is definitely worth trying for anyone looking for something new and exciting in the world of wine.

Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Zweigelt, Niederosterreich, 2019 (cover photo)

Btw, German and Austria wines have very long wine names and sometimes hard to pronounce. This bottle of Zweigelt brings forth a nuttiness of almonds and dark cherries and berries on the nose along with a spicy and peppery aroma. It has a light-medium body and well balanced with enough acidity, although not crispy.

This Zweigelt offers a toasty character from some oak, but still fresh and youthful on the palate. It is a juicy, but elegant, energetic red wine with a nice aroma that lasts through the palate and medium finish. 12.5% alcohol.

It has reached its age of maturity in 2025 (not an age-worthy wine by tradition so drink now when it’s good). It is most likely at its peak for drinking.

Try this wine or search for more at your fine wine shop. Most local wine shops only carry 1-2 Zweigelts in inventory so call beforehand or just order this one online. You will not be disappointed! My rating is 8 out of 10 (very good). I won’t feature a wine unless it receives a score of 7 (good) and above. My personal rating system is out of 10; different from most professional ratings….Cheers, M

November and autumn season brings a different vibe to the world of wine, and certain wines belong on the table. The weather gets colder, the day gets shorter, and that chill in the air shouts comfort. Certainly, comfort can be felt through sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and comfort food, but what about wine. With campfires, apple picking, and the looming Thanksgiving holiday, there is a call for more complex, savory, and fuller bodied wines. It’s the season of homemade soups, stews, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, poached pears, and apple pies.

While we’re not quite ready for the heavy and tannic Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo to carry us through winter, we need something more ‘chill’ and transitional to get us through shorter days and set the stage for winter. Some traditional fall favorites that are fantastic include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Gamay Noir/Beaujolais. Try the Gamay Noir from Sheldrake Point Winery in the Finger Lakes. It is beautifully done!

Beaujolais Nouveau is a wonderful, light, and approachable red wine that is perfect as an introductory wine for non-red wine drinkers. It is made from the Gamay grape and originates from the Beaujolais region of France. It is celebrated worldwide and released every year at the end of November. Beaujolais is one of my favorite wines to sip all year long, especially on Thanksgiving, because it is very food-friendly with turkey dinner. I will discuss it further later this month.

Here are five under the radar lovely fall wines (two whites and three reds) that don’t get enough love in my opinion. They are not as obscure as you might think. If you would like to receive my recommendations, just give me a holler.

1. Chenin Blanc

Famous for its apple aromas and flavors, Chenin Blanc is a perfect match for autumn lovers. Just like apples can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, this medium-bodied white wine is extremely versatile, and can be paired with a wide range of main courses. Try a glass of Chenin Blanc with a root vegetable salad, roasted chicken, or rich seafood. Look for it in the Loire Valley of France, South Africa (leading producer of Chenin Blanc worldwide), United States, California and some in Washington State.

2. Sémillon

A medium-bodied white wine from Bordeaux, France, which is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, giving it a lush, mouth-filling, and zippiness for green and fall veggies. Some are produced in oak and aged in the barrel, which will give it notes of honey, almond, and a smooth texture. The grape has few tannins, medium acidity, medium body and some oily consistency. Depending on its origin, you will discover flavors of lemon, pear, or papaya. Look for it in the regions of Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, Napa and Sonoma Valley, California, South Africa, and Columbia Valley, Washington State.

3. Barbera

Although it doesn’t quite have the revered status of the Nebbiolo grape, Barbera is Northern Italy’s wine of the people and is never too far from the dinner table in the Piedmont region. In Piedmont, where Barbera is most expressed, Barolo and Barbaresco are the most recognizable names, but they are places as opposed to grape varieties. Both are produced from the Nebbiolo variety. Barbera, on the other hand, is the name of the grape variety itself.

Due to its pigmentation, Barbera can taste both rich and light-bodied, offering the berry and cherry notes in bigger wines, but goes down easily thanks to lively acidity. Oak-heavy styles have an extra touch of chocolate, vanilla and spice. Generally, it is going to be a lighter style of red (more approached) in context of other Italian reds. Look for it in California, US, and Argentina as well.

4. Primitivo/Zinfandel

This wine is jamming. Primitivo and Zinfandel are essentially the same grape. Primitivo in Italy and Zinfandel in the US and the rest of the world. The lighter, low-ABV styles of Primitivo have rose petal, sage, and black pepper flavors, The richer styles add a bit of smoke and jammy. Notes of cinnamon, raisin, chocolate, and tobacco make for an exquisite fall wine. Generally, Primitivo is medium to full-bodied, with medium to high tannins and low to medium acidity. It can carry a high-ABV in Italy compared to Zinfandel due to the warmer climate.

Zinfandel is a bold and fruit-forward wine that’s loved for its jammy fruit, smokiness, and exotic spice notes. It’s also made into a sweet rosé called White Zinfandel. Look for Zinfandel in regions of Lodi, Napa and Sonoma Valley, and Sierra Foothills, California, US, and Primitivo in Puglia, Italy.

5. Cabernet Franc

Cab Franc is the parent grape of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère. It can be lighter or bolder depending on where it’s grown. If you prefer non-fruit-forward red wine offerings, then Cabernet Franc is your wine. There are more pronounced notes of red and black fruits, like strawberries, raspberries, and plums, in warmer climate versions, but in cooler climates, you will encounter herbaceous, mint, green bell pepper notes, chili pepper, peppercorns, crushed gravel, and earthiness. It is an awesome Thanksgiving wine that pairs with everything on the table because of its savory notes.

It is the signature red grape of the Finger Lakes region of New York, where I call home, and one of my favorite wines to drink no matter the occasion. Look for it in the Loire Valley of France, Colchagua Valley of Chile, Tuscany region of Italy (fruitier style), Sierra Foothills of California, US, and throughout New York State. Try all vintages of Cabernet Franc from Nathan K Wine Cellars, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, who does an oaked and unoaked version) and Damiani Wine Cellars in the heart of the Finger Lakes.

As mentioned earlier, please reach out if you want my recommendations for the wines listed above. It’s never too early to stock up on wine for the holidays or to enjoy now. Look for Thanksgiving wine pairings and Beaujolais Day post later this month.

Cheers,

Michael

michael@michaelpour.com

(717) 877-2729

Tag: good wine

Wine of the Week: Little Known Red from Austria