The red grape variety is a new variety from Blauer Portugieser x Blaufränkisch, which was last confirmed by DNA analyses carried out in 2013. Synonyms are Klosterneuburg 181-2 and Zweigeltrebe 181-2. It must not be confused with the similar varieties Blauburgunder (synonym for Pinot Noir) or Rotburger (synonym for Zweigelt). The crossing was done in 1923 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt at the Klosterneuburger Weinbauinstitut (Lower Austria). The variety was a crossing partner in the new variety Rathay. The early to medium-late ripening, high-yielding vine is resistant to botrytis, but susceptible to powdery mildew and stem rot. It yields colour-intensive, deep-dark red wines with a velvety aroma similar to Blaufränkisch, which are often used as Teinturier (colouring grapes). The variety occupies 750 hectares in Austria and 453 hectares in Hungary. Smaller stocks exist in Germany with 2 and in Canada with 18 hectares. In 2016, a total of 1,223 hectares of vines were reported, with a downward trend (Kym Anderson statistics).
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Sigi Hiss
freier Autor und Weinberater (Fine, Vinum u.a.), Bad Krozingen