Zweigelt, Grown in the Yarra Valley
Austrian heritage. Yarra Valley vines. A red wine that's a little different.
Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape, and it's still a rare find in Australia. It's known for its vibrant colour, fresh red-fruit character and easy drinking style. Our Zweigelt is grown and made in small batches on our Yarra Valley estate in Coldstream.
What is Zweigelt?
Zweigelt (pronounced ZVYE-gelt) was bred in Austria in 1922 by Dr Friedrich Zweigelt, who crossed St. Laurent with Blaufränkisch. It's the backbone of Austrian red wine, prized for vibrant, fruit-driven reds that are soft on tannin and high on drinkability. In Australia it remains a rarity, with only a handful of producers.
What does Zweigelt wine taste like?
Our Zweigelt is vibrant and bright purple in colour, with aromas and flavours of ripe berries and juicy red fruits. Subtle spice and gentle tannins make it incredibly easy to enjoy. It's a red with plenty of character without being heavy.
- Colour: vibrant, bright purple
- Fruit: ripe berries and juicy red fruits
- Palate: fresh, juicy, gentle tannins
- Finish: subtle spice
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, Gamay or cool climate Shiraz, Zweigelt is well worth a try.
Zweigelt food pairing
Fresh acidity and soft tannins make Zweigelt a flexible food wine. Try it with charcuterie, goulash, pork belly and roast chicken.
Our Zweigelt story
It started in 2002, when Hans Orth brought original Zweigelt cuttings back from Austria. Getting them into the ground wasn't simple. The cuttings first went through Australia's strict quarantine process, followed by years of propagating enough vines to plant a small block on our Yarra Valley estate.
Then phylloxera hit the vineyard, and we had to start again, re-establishing the vines on phylloxera-resistant rootstock. It was a long process, but we stuck with it.
Eventually the vines were established, the fruit was looking good, and we had the confidence to make a wine. Our first Copperhead Zweigelt was released under label in 2023, more than two decades after those first cuttings arrived.
Zweigelt is still uncommon in Australia, which is part of what attracted us to it. Growing it in the Yarra Valley has let us explore how the variety performs in our own vineyard and develop a style of Australian Zweigelt that reflects its home.
The label
We wanted our Zweigelt to look a little different from the rest of our wines.
The artwork is a lino cut by artist Ivan Filsell, depicting our original Zweigelt mini basket press, the same press Hans' grandmother used in Austria.
It's a nod to where the wine began for us: small quantities, hands-on winemaking and a bit of experimentation.
FAQ
How do you pronounce Zweigelt?
"ZVYE-gelt".
Is Zweigelt a light or full-bodied wine?
Generally light to medium-bodied, with fresh acidity and gentle tannins. Ours is vibrant and fruit-forward, and easy to enjoy without being heavy.
Should Zweigelt be served chilled?
Serve it at cellar temperature, around 14-16°C. A short time in the fridge suits it on a warm day.
Is Zweigelt grown in Australia?
Yes, but only in small quantities. We're one of very few Australian producers.
Where can I buy Zweigelt in Australia?
You can buy ours through our online shop, with shipping across Australia.
