Heinrich Zweigelt 2020

Gernot Heinrich farms 100 hectares at Gols, beside Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland, near the Hungarian border, working to organic and biodynamic principles after time spent in Bordeaux, Spain, California and Italy. This wine is made from Zweigelt, an Austrian variety prized for its bright cherry fruit, soft tannins and low alcohol. The moderating influence of the shallow Neusiedlersee lake and the warm Pannonian climate ripens the fruit fully while the cool nights preserve acidity and freshness. The wine is aged in barrel, where gentle oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds a light savoury edge without masking the fruit, keeping the style fresh and the alcohol modest at 12 per cent. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum over black pepper, thyme and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is light to medium bodied, with soft tannins, juicy acidity and a fresh, fruit-driven finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly cooled if you prefer. It pairs well with grilled pork, roast chicken and mushroom dishes.