The white grape variety originates from Austria. There are over 40 synonyms, some of which are Zierfandler Rouge (France); Zierfandler Rosso (Italy); Zerjavina, Zerjavina Crvena (Croatia); Gumpoldskirchner, Gumpoldskirchner Spätrot, Raifler, Reifler, Roter Reifler, Roter Zierfandler, Rother Reifler, Rother Zierfahndler, Rothhinschen, Rothreifler, Rubiner, Spätrot, Spätroter, Spätroter Gumpoldskirchner (Austria); Cirfandli, Keson Piros, Nemes Cirfandli, Piros Cirfandli (Hungary). The main name is also used in different spellings for other grape varieties (see under Zierfahndler).
The exact origin is presumably Lower Austria; the frequently mentioned or presumed Lake Como in Lombardy is unlikely. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2000, it is probably a natural cross between Traminer (Savagnin Blanc) x Roter Veltliner. Nothing is known about a possible genetic relationship to the variety Zierfandler Weiß (white berries). It should not be confused with Silvaner (Grüner Zierfandler) or Zinfandel due to some synonyms and morphological or name similarities.
![]()
In the past, you needed a wealth of encyclopaedias and specialist literature to keep up to date in your vinophile professional life. Today, Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one of my best helpers and can rightly be called the "bible of wine knowledge".
Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher
Lehrgangsleiter Sommelierausbildung WIFI-Wien