Zweigelt, Johanneshof Reinisch

About the wine

The Johanneshof Reinisch Zweigelt encapsulates perfectly the aromas of a walk through a central European forest. Bright red and black berries sprawling onto your path, a soft, spiciness emitting from the trunks of ancient trees and the distant smell of smoke coming from a bonfire over the hill. Someone cut a slice of hard cheese, please!

Heralding from not too far from a forest of such a description, this 100% Zweigelt wine from organic winery Johanneshof Reinisch in Thermenregion is a juicy, fresh yet savoury drop, making it a brilliant food pairing wine. The berry fruit notes are partnered with some spicy, charred-like tones from the 12 months in barrel and a lifting acidity that makes your mouth water. Medium-bodied, this is certainly a cool-climate red with a berry character that is super fresh. Plums come through towards the finish which is smooth with very well-integrated tannins.

Game would pair well with this Austrian Zweigelt wine, as would most hard, mountain cheeses. The smokiness also lends itself to chargrilled white meats – try barbecued chicken leg in a herb marinade.

About the wine

Zweigelt is a crossing between Blaufränkisch and St Laurent and takes it name from Professor Zweigelt, its creator. Its classic fruit notes are of bramble berries with a touch of pepper and liquorice. It drinks well lightly chilled thanks to its light body and soft tannins.

Johanneshof Reinisch is a 40-hectare winery run by three brothers who are the fourth generation of Reinisch to run the business. They are international ambassadors for Austrian wine and you can find their wines on top restaurant wine lists across the UK. Their whites are from intriguing, native grape varieties and their single vineyard red and white wines sit comfortably among the best in Austria.