Zweigelt was developed in 1922 and is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in Austria, although it does have a presence in Canadian vineyards. The most widespread red wine varietal in Austria, Zweigelt ranges from young-drinking wines that are non-wood matured producing firm and strong red wines. Zweigelt is a cross of St. Laurent and Blaufrankisch, and is a heavy producer that can yield five to six tons of fruit per acre. Zweigelt requires little soil, but because it is a fertile grape, requires intensive leaf work and yield regulation. Zweigelt produces wines that are slightly reddish and violet with soft tannins. The mature and full-bodied wines are long-living, delivering morello cherry tones. Zweigelt is darker than Pinot Noir with subtle hints of fruit that are not overwhelming. The fruity and smooth flavor gives way to a spicy bite with an intense and slightly astringent finish. Zweiglet is an early ripening grape and is the most commonly consumed red wine in Austria. The grape makes for a mellow and easy-drinking wine with faint tannins and cassis fruit and cherry flavors. With very little bite and no hard edges, the grape produces 13.5% alcohol by volume.
Wimmer Zweigelt Classic is made from 100 percent Zweigelt.
This variety was created in 1922, when Dr. Fritz Zweigelt crossed two grapes - St Laurent and Blaufrankisch.
The wine boasts a deep and concentrated red color. It offers fruity, fresh and spicy aromas, cherry flavors. In the mouth it is smooth, medium-bodied, round and lively.
Malolactic fermentation. Aged 50% stainless steel, 50% oak barrels just for maturation (size 3000 liters).
Full-bodied, smooth and round, the wine is an ideal food companion.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah Swartland is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Grapes for our Boekenhoutskloof Syrah are picked from selected parcels of the finest Syrah, grown at our Swartland farms, namely Porseleinberg and Goldmine, close to the small town of Riebeek-Kasteel. These vineyards were planted on the rocky bedrock of decomposed Mica-Schist, a unique terroir, finding its expression in our concentrated and structured wines made from this Rhône grape.
The nose is perfumed, forthcoming and fresh, offering an array of rich dark fruits with a spicy, floral, even feral character, derived from complex aromas of dark berries, plums, violets, black olives, star anise and potting soil. The black fruits and earthy character of the nose follow through onto a dark, brooding palate with flavours of wild berries, brambles, liquorice, tobacco, cloves and black cardamom. The mid-palate is concentrated, deep, dense and slightly dusty, with dry, very fine cocoa-powdery tannins lending structure. The wine is very precise, with a medium to full body, a tight, grainy texture and vibrant acidity to balance. Blackberries, blueberries and notes of garrigue and dark chocolate linger on a savoury finish.
Review:
Using fruit from two exceptional Swartland sources – Goldmine and mostly Porseleinberg – this foudre-aged Syrah is fresh, subtle and intensely aromatic, as schist Syrahs often tend to be. Complex, floral and refined with remarkable freshness and palate length. Drink: 2020-2028.
– Tim Atkin MW, 95/100