The Zierfandler
Grape
A rare white grape variety native to Austria, particularly grown in the Thermenregion, producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with high acidity, offering flavors of ripe peaches, citrus, and spices, often blended with Rotgipfler.
Zierfandler
Grape History
Zierfandler, also known as Spätrot, is a white wine grape variety primarily cultivated in the Thermenregion of Austria. This aromatic grape has a long and storied history, with origins tracing back to the 18th century. The exact origins of Zierfandler are somewhat debated, with some sources suggesting it may have originated in the Niederösterreich region of Austria, while others believe it may have been brought to Austria from Italy or Hungary.
One of the most unique aspects of Zierfandler is its ability to produce complex and age-worthy wines. The grape is often blended with another Austrian grape variety, Rotgipfler, to create a wine known as Gumpoldskirchner. This blend is highly regarded for its rich and aromatic profile, with notes of tropical fruits, honey, and exotic spices.
Zierfandler is a late-ripening grape that thrives in the warm and sunny climate of the Thermenregion, where it is the dominant grape variety. The region's unique microclimate, with its combination of hot days and cool nights, provides the perfect conditions for Zierfandler to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas.
In terms of wine styles, Zierfandler is most commonly used to produce dry white wines that are known for their intense aromatics and vibrant acidity. These wines are often aged in oak barrels to further enhance their complexity and depth. Zierfandler wines can range from fresh and fruity to rich and full-bodied, offering a wide range of styles to suit different preferences.
The future of Zierfandler looks promising, as interest in this grape variety continues to grow both locally in Austria and internationally. The unique character of Zierfandler wines, with their expressive aromas and distinctive flavor profile, has caught the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike. As consumers seek out lesser-known grape varieties and wines with a sense of terroir, Zierfandler is poised to gain recognition and appreciation in the global wine market.
Overall, Zierfandler is a grape variety with a rich history, distinctive character, and great potential for the future. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Zierfandler wines offer a unique and delightful drinking experience that is sure to appeal to wine lovers seeking something a little different.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel