Zweigelt is Georg Schmelzer’s most significant red grape variety, and his work with it ranks among the most compelling interpretations of this challenging varietal. Often a staple of inexpensive, average-quality wines, Zweigelt rarely makes it to the top tier—about as often as Mattersburg wins the Austrian Bundesliga.
Occasionally, however, when everything aligns, Zweigelt can reach near-Olympian heights. Achieving such a feat typically requires the deep understanding of seasoned winemakers who have spent years observing and experimenting to master the variety.
Georg Schmelzer exemplifies this mastery. After decades of working with Zweigelt, he knows its quirks and needs inside and out. The cornerstone of his success lies in his vineyard work: old vines ensure natural yield reduction, while sustainable and mindful cultivation fosters living soils and expressive berries. Fermentation is spontaneous and free of unnecessary interventions, and the wine ages for over a year in large wooden barrels before being bottled unfiltered and unsulfured.
Style
Spicy, balsamic, open, red-fruited, and dynamic. Dense yet unburdened, with structured tannins that bind the wine without dominating. Layered, vibrant, and captivating with a long, inviting finish.
Technical Sheet
Grape Variety: Zweigelt
Vineyards: Three sites: Haideboden, Pahlen, and Schmaler Grund
Harvest: Handpicked
Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts
Aging: Over a year in large wooden barrels
Filtration: None
SO₂: Unsulfured
Alcohol Content: 14.5% vol.
Closure: Screw cap
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Optimal Drinking Window: From now until 2025
Membership: Vinnatur
Maxim: All winemakers listed at Vinonudo cultivate their vineyards using compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
