Despite its relative youth, Zweigelt is actually an Austrian classic. This variety was created in 1922, when Dr. Fritz Zweigelt crossed two grapes - St Laurent and Blaufrankisch. Originally, it was intended for the new variety to be called Rotburger, referring to the place where it was born, Klosterneuburg. But this name never took hold, and instead, Zweigelt was named after the man who was the key in its development.
Today, Zweigelt is the most widely planted red variety in Austria, growing in nearly 9% of this country's vineyards. It is a robust grape, highly resistant to dryness, frost and various diseases.
The wine offers delicate strawberry, cherry and floral aromas. On the palate it is medium-bodied, lively and refreshing, beautifully balanced. A long and pleasant finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with any light fare with friends.
Perfectly at home on any picnic, delicious with fried chicken, and tames the heat when paired with spicy dishes. There is also a slight watermelon note that makes it perfect for spring and summer. A great pairing with barbecued shrimp.
"Bright cherries, strawberries, and leafy herb notes all emerge from the 2023 Hugl Zweigelt Rose 1 liter, a clean, crisp, quaff able rosé that's well-made."
- Jeb Dunnuck (Importer Highlight: Fran Kysela ; July 2024), 87 pts
"Zweigelt is the most widely planted variety in Austria and this 100% stainless-steel fermented rosé of this red grape is delicate, with crackling acidity. Oregano-kissed strawberry and oyster shell minerality makes for a dry and scrubby mouthfeel. The refreshing, crisp finish offers an array of ideas for food-pairing."
- The Tasting Panel (May/June 2022, “Best of Western Europe"), 91 pts
"Sporting a more ruby, Tavel-like color, the 2019 Zweigelt Rose has a big core of sweet raspberry and blackberry fruits to go with a clean, medium-bodied, juicy style on the palate. With good acidity, rock solid balance, and a clean, dry finish, it’s ideal for summer drinking. It will also shine on the dinner table, as it has solid body and richness."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 2020), 89 pts
"Austria’s Zweigelt grape provides tannic structure in this very refreshing, slightly sweeter rosé that also offers fantastic value. “It tastes like liquid strawberries,” one panelist said approvingly. Average price: $12."
- Vinepair, The 25 Best Rosé Wines of 2019 (May 2019), Ranked #13
"Pink coral color. Aromas of ripe watermelon, cherry yogurt, and lily with a silky, vibrant, dryish light body and a smooth, cheery pomegranate, lime spritz, chalk, and tarragon finish with no oak flavor. A clean, easy-drinking rose that exudes summer."
- Tastings, 2019 World Wine Championships, 89 pts, SILVER MEDAL , "Higly Recommended", BEST BUY
"Here’s a delightful rosé from Austria, more on the strawberry side of pink than the melon side. It isn’t particularly tart or racy, nor sweet and cloying. Comfortable on the palate, pretty much describes it. ABV: 12 percent. - Dave McIntyre"
- Washington Post (April 2019)
"Medium reddish pink. Hints of cranberry and cherry on the nose. Spritzy on the attack but full in the mouth with fruity red berry and watermelon flavors that are held in check by round tannins. Excellent, low alcohol (12%) rosé!"
- i-winereview.com (The World of Rose Report, June 2018), 89 pts
"This tasty rosé was one of my Best Great Values of 2017. The new vintage is delicious, too, with flavors of melon and strawberry and a hint of sage or mint that speaks of warm weather refreshment. - Dave McIntyre"
- Washington Post ("Year's Best rosés", April 27th 2018), **
"This offers a gently perfumed, floral nose with soft, appetizing hints of strawberry, lemon and peardrop. The palate has easy berry fruit and a refreshing tartness that is reminiscent of rosehip tisane. It's light bodied, crisp and dry."
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine (September 2017), 89 pts + BEST BUY
"Light brilliant orange. Strawberry, orange zest and a hint of white pepper on the fragrant nose and in the mouth. Taut and dry in style, carrying no excess fat. A touch of quinine adds a bitter edge to the firm, focused finish."
- Vinous (2017 Rosé Roundup: Drink Now, Drink Later - June 2017), 88 pts
"Zweigelt is Austria’s main red grape and gives this rosé its vibrant and peppery profile with loads of cherry and raspberry flavors. - Dave McIntyre"
- Washington Post ("Stocking up on rosés for summer? Start here.", June 7th 2017), **1/2
"The 2015 HuglWeine Zweigelt Rosé from Austria is a fresh, easy drinking rosé that offers pleasant, light red berry aromas and flavors. At just 12% alcohol, this is the perfect wine to accompany a light lunch on a warm summer day."
- i-winereview.com (July 2016), 88 pts
"The 2014 Hugo Zweigelt displays a salmon color and aromas of fresh strawberry and cherry. Fruit forward with a touch of sweetness, it is rather simple and easy drinking with a moderately crisp finish. - Don Winkler"
- International Wine Review (May 4th 2015), 87 pts
Weingut HuglWimmer is a family-run winery in Ketzelsdorf-Poysdorf, Austria. Owners Sylvia (née Wimmer) and Martin Hugl both grew up in family wineries, and in 2006, they combined their winemaking knowledge ...
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