Seifried Zweigelt 2024

"Zweigelt you say, Chris? Isn’t that an Austrian variety?” Absolutely, well spotted but this comes from t’other side of the planet in Nelson, New Zealand. Admittedly, Hermann Seifried was born in Austria but grew up amongst orchards rather than vineyards whilst his Kiwi wife, Agnes was raised on a sheep farm. Nonetheless they were amongst the first to plant vineyards in the south Island back in 1973 and I recall well a fabulous visit there in 1998. Whilst Hermann and Agnes remain key members of the team, the day-to-day running of operations is now handled by children Heidi, Anna and Chris. The vineyards now extend to some 330 hectares and the range includes this gorgeous New Zealand expression of Zweigelt – it’s every bit as spicy and bright as its Austrian cousins but maybe just a little more lush and rich