Which is better Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt?

Austria allows the use of 26 white grape varieties and 14 red grape varieties for the production of Qualitätswein, Prädikatswein, and Landwein. Over the past 20 years, the proportion of red wines has doubled and now accounts for about one-third of Austria’s nearly 46,500 hectares of vineyard area.

In addition to internationally renowned grape varieties like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains, Traminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, Austria has a wide range of native varieties.

The list includes Grüner Veltliner, which dominates almost a third of the vineyard area, as well as Neuburger, Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, Roter Veltliner, Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Saint Laurent, and Blauer Wildbacher, among others.

Now, which is better Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt?

What does Blaufränkisch taste like?

Blaufränkisch wines typically have a medium acidity and medium to high tannins, with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and a hint of spice and pepper. However, the wine’s style can vary greatly depending on the soil in which it is grown. For example, if grown on limestone soil, it can produce elegant wines, while if grown on rich, deep soil, it can produce full-bodied, spicy wines.

The winemaking process for Blaufränkisch has evolved over time. In the 1990s, the wine was heavily oaked, similar to Bordeaux wines, resulting in powerful and concentrated wines. However, today, oak is no longer a priorité and producers focus on immediate drink ability, balance and finesse.

What does Zweigelt taste like?

The wines produced from Zweigelt grapes often are medium-bodied with a medium to high acidity. They usually have flavors of black cherry and blackberry with spicy notes. You can also have herbal notes, such as thyme and sage.

Depending on the vinification and if it ages in oak, it can develop vanilla and toasty flavors.

Food pairing suggestions with Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt

When it comes to wine and food pairing, there are two rules : it must be good for YOU and if it grows together, it goes together!

Blaufränkisch has high tannins, so it’s not ideal for light dishes. I would suggest pairing it with schnitzel, red cabbage, roast, bratwurst, smoked sausage, cheese dumplings or even rosbeef.

Zweigelt is generally considered to be a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes.

Conclusion : Which is better, Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt?

Neither is better than the other… These are grape varieties that will suit depending on YOUR taste.

Blaufränkisch wines are characterized by medium acidity, medium to high tannins, and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice. The wine’s style varies depending on the soil, ranging from elegant to full-bodied and spicy. Modern winemaking emphasizes balance and finesse over heavy oak influence.

Zweigelt wines are medium-bodied with medium to high acidity, offering flavors of black cherry, blackberry, spice, and herbal notes. Oak aging can contribute vanilla and toasty flavors.

Blaufränkisch pairs well with hearty dishes like schnitzel and red cabbage, while Zweigelt is versatile and complements grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and pasta dishes.