WTN: Berger 2021 Lower Austria Zweigelt

[Robin Garr]

Is there a modern vinifera cross any better than Zweigelt? I can't think of any offhand. It doesn't surprise me that Zweigelt has become Austria's second most-planted grape (after GV, of course), and this example from Berger - a real value in a one-liter bottle - is pretty much an annual purchase for me. It's tasty enough to be gluggable, but interesing enough to merit more thoughful sipping. Any other fans out there?

Berger 2021 Lower Austria Zweigelt ($17.99/1 liter)

Affordable in its one-liter bottle and approachable for mild-weather enjoyment, Berger Zweigelt hails from Northeastern Austria's Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) region. It shows a clear, medium-dark ruby color with reddish-purple glints, and offers delicious scents of tart cherries and red berries. Aromatic cranberries join the cherry-berry character on the palate, nicely structured with acidity and soft tannins. Stony minerality joins the choir in a long finish. 12.5% alcohol. U.S. importer: Skurnik Wines, NYC. (May 15, 2024)

FOOD MATCH: This wine's fresh, tart, and fruity flavors are made to go with pork or roast poultry, and it's approachable enough to make a match with pizza and tomato-sauced pasta dishes.

WHEN TO DRINK: Good Zweigelt can respond well to cellaring, but this wine is really meand for enjoyment, not investment. Buy it, drink it, get some more.

VALUE:
This tasty red is well worth my local $18 price for a full liter bottle, which works out to less than $14 for a standard 750 ml bottle. Additionally, Wine-Searcher.com show a $13 average U.S. retail with some vendors offering it under $10, so comparison shopping is warranted.

WEB LINK:
Here's an importer's fact sheet on the similar 2022 vintage of this wine. This Skurnik link will take you to an article and photos about Weingut Berger, the family-run winery in Austria's Kremstal region.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Check prices and find vendors for Berger Zweigelt on Wine-Searcher.com.

Read Wine-Searcher's information page on the Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) and browse wines and vendors from the region.

Discover Zweigelt, an early 20th century cross between Saint-Laurent and Blaufranchish at this Wine-Searcher link.

[David M. Bueker]

Berger liters were a mainstay of my early Austrian wine education, both Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner.

[Jenise]

I haven't had the Berger but I do like Zweigelt a lot. I increasingly appreciate lighter, cool-climate reds. A winery in British Columbia makes a brilliant rose that's, of all things, a viognier/zweigelt blend. It's fresh and yet structured, and I love it.

[Robin Garr]

... a viognier/zweigelt blend. ...

The mind boggles. But I would definitely try it!

In the early days of river cruising with Viking the red and white wines included with lunch and dinners were Austrian Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner from the Morwald winery. Very drinkable and perfect food wines.

One time when we cruised through the Wachau Valley we went on an excursion to the winery. As we left Erhard Morwald implored us to drink more of the on board wine.

(Vikings river fleet has expanded so much now that one small family winery cannot supply all their boats.)