Esterházy, Estoras Zweigelt 2011, Austria
The red wines of Austria are still not common on UK wine shelves, but a few are starting to appear, generally of high quality, and often made from indigenous grape varieties Blaufränkisch and, as in this case, Zweigelt. This wine comes from the estate of the noble Esterházy family, but whilst the family may have centuries of tradition behind them, it is a thoroughly modern wine. In screwcapped bottle, it has the typically vibrant colour and aroma of Zweigelt, with damson and spicy black fruits, a graphite and coal dust suggestion of dryness, but also little layers of vanilla and flowers. In the mouth it is substantial, with deep, rich black fruit, a roughening grip of plum skin tannin and plenty of acidity to cut through the sweetness of the fruit. A fine example and potential introduction to Austrian red wines at a keen price. Watch the video for more information and for specific food matching suggestions. £9.95, FromVineyardsDirect.com.
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