Gernot Heinrich has won the 2011 DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARD REGIONAL TROPHY with his Zweigelt 2009! This wine can be tasted together with his other reds from the outstanding 2009 vintage.ZWEIGELT2009HEINRICHDECANTERWORLDWINEWINNER.pdf

Our view : According to literature Zweigelt "...prefers soils that are not too heavy and rich in humus". Especially when grown in red gravelly soils, very high quality wines can be produced. And exactly these conditions are found the vineyards - just perfect for the varietal and for out cuvee blends as well.

Characteristics : Deep ruby-garnet colour, plus a soft touch of violet and a delicate rim. Fresh plum fruit marks the nose, along with notes of fine herbs and spices and a hint of orange zest. The palate is juicy with fine red berry fruit tones that deliver good sweetness and a pleasant acidity structure. Very nicely woven, with medium length; already very approachable and offering uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

Origin : 10 - 30 year old vines at various optimal sites of the Heideboden between the Parndorfer Platte and Lake Neusiedl.

Vinification : Harvested by hand from the beginning of September to mid September 2009; selection in the vineyard, with very careful follow-up selection on the sorting belt in the winery; processed according to the gravity principle (without the use of pumps); spontaneous fermentation in steel tanks at 28 to 32°C; two to three weeks of maceration; malolactic fermentation in steel tanks; aged in oak vats and twice-used barriques; bottled with glass stoppers at the beginning of December 2010.