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SOMMWINE GRAPE LIBRARY
Zierfandler
Also known as Spätrot, Rubiner, Gumpoldskirchner, Cirfandli
Zierfandler is a rare Austrian white grape closely tied to the Thermenregion. Its synonym Spätrot refers to the blush that develops on sun-exposed bunches, even though the grape makes white wine. Austrian sources describe aromatic, extract-rich wines with citrus and tropical-fruit notes, often with some residual sugar. Its reported parentage includes Roter Veltliner and an unidentified Traminer-like vine.
ColourWhite
ClassificationVitis vinifera subsp. vinifera
Typical bodyCan produce extract-rich, substantial whites; style varies with harvest maturity, residual sugar and winemaking.
Typical acidityRegional source describes fruit-led acidity; no universal analytical level is asserted. Residual sugar and ripeness affect perceived balance.
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At a Glance
Dry varietal whites
Typical tannin: Not applicable to ordinary white wines.
Aromas and Flavours
- citrus
- pineapple and passionfruit in regional descriptions
- delicate aromatic character
Where It Grows
- Thermenregion
- Gumpoldskirchen
- Lower Austria
- Austria
Climate and Winemaking
Associated principally with the Thermenregion; the Austrian ministry says it favours favourable sites and records average ripening time.
Technical sources record medium budbreak, flowering and ripening; preference for good sites, weak fungal-disease resistance and potential berry-splitting after autumn rain. The blush that gives the synonym Spätrot appears on sun-exposed berries; shaded berries remain green.
Made as varietal wine and blended with Rotgipfler; official regional source records stainless/large wood, occasional barrique, and dry through late-harvest Prädikat styles. Many examples retain residual sugar, but this is not universal.
Food Pairings
- Aperitif with dry or lightly off-dry Zierfandler (editorial recommendation)
- Poultry, fish or seafood with balanced styles (editorial recommendation)
- Asian dishes or cheese with riper expressions (editorial recommendation)
Ageing Potential
- Some ripe and Prädikatswein examples are described by Austrian sources as having good ageing potential; potential depends on wine structure, vintage and cellar choices.
Test Your Knowledge
- Why is Zierfandler also called Spätrot despite being a white grape?
- What is known and unknown about its parentage?
- How is Zierfandler used in Spätrot-Rotgipfler?
