Notes from an Austrian wine tasting I attended last night. The Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines will each be posted separately.
2006 Berger Zweigelt
This comes in a liter bottle with a crown cap, and it's uncomplicated, fruity and lightly spicy grape-based fun. It's also a rgeat value at $9.99 for the full liter. Somewhat reminiscent of Grenache in its forward fruitiness, it also shows a lightly herbal side that reminds me of Cabernet Franc. I like this a lot, especially for the price.
2006 Markowitsch Carnuntum Red
A blend of 90% Zweigelt and 10% Pinot Noir, this is finished with a screwcap and shows significant reduction in an earthy, wet wool, warm rubber kind of way. Beyond that there is a lot to like on the palate, with red cherry and spicy black fruit and nice balance. But given the serious reduciton issues, I would opt for the easy fruitiness of the Berger every time. $13.99 and not worth the upcharge.