Kracher Zweigelt Auslese 375ml 2022

Kracher Zweigelt Auslese is an unusual sweet red, a barrel-fermented botrytis wine made from Austria's most planted red grape.

Zweigelt, a crossing of Blaufrankisch and St Laurent, is normally vinified dry, but the botrytis conditions of the Seewinkel allow the Kracher family at Illmitz to take it in another direction. Fruit is left to shrivel on the vine through the fog-and-sun cycle around the shallow lakes east of the Neusiedlersee, then fermented in barrel, which is unusual for an Auslese and gives the wine spice and a gentle tannic grip alongside the sugar. The finished wine carries 90 grams per litre of residual sugar, moderate by the estate's standards, and retains the dark cherry character of the grape. It is bottled in half-bottle under screwcap.

Sweet, spiced and lightly tannic, it is a good match for chocolate desserts, dark berry puddings and washed-rind cheese; serve at around 12 degrees.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.