Zvy-Gelt 2009

Zvy-Gelt


Terroir: The 25-hectare vineyard is situated in Krems-Hollenburg in the Kremstal, along the right bank of the Danube River, across from the Wachau. There has been wine production in the area of Hollenburg since the Roman Empire. The Forstreiter family has been making wine here since 1868, but it has been the current owner and cellar master, Meinhard Forstreiter, who has brought the vineyard to a new level of quality and reputation.

Vinification: Most of the vines grow close to the Danube, on south- and east-facing terraces composed of conglomerate, a rock-like formation, with different layers of loess, clay and sandy soil. This “Hollenburger Konglomerat” was formed during the Ice Age, when gravel from the banks of the Danube was pressed together under enormous force. The unique soil formations and microclimate of this area produce exceptional fruity, spicy and peppery grapes.

ZVY-GELT is produced with grapes from 10-40 year old vines, grown using environmentally sound and sustainable viticulture techniques. All the fruit is completely harvested by hand and very carefully pressed. The temperature controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steek tanks and lasts for 20 days. After fermentation ZVY-GELT is briefly aged in both stainless steel tanks and 50% old oak.

Additional Information

If you like Pinot Noir, you will love ZVY-GELT! Velvety and full of concentrated fruit, this wine features ripe cherries aromas and plenty of spicy notes. On the palate it shows a medium body, balanced acidity and a long, seductive finish. Pair with poultry, meat, cheese, spicy seafood and veggies.

Recent Press

  • Wine & Spirits Author: Tara Q. Thomas
    Date: Thursday, September 5, 2013
    "A former chef turned Austrian wine importer, suggested zweigelt might make a kimchi-friendly pairing when wed met her at Chuns book launch. This bottling is in the juicy, simple mode, but has a little age."
  • The Palate Press (PalatePress.com) Author: Meg Houston Maker
    Date: Thursday, June 28, 2012
    "This wine is a collaboration between winemaker Meinhard Forstreiter and Monika Caha Selections, who distributes the brand. Aging was half in stainless and half in neutral oak, but the wine mysteriously offered sweet butterscotch aromas along with its faint hints of black pepper. On the palate it was slightly spicy with a strong vegetal character that was balanced by sweet cherry-berry flavors. The finish, though, was lean and peppery. This wine needs food, and was a surprisingly good pairing for the herb-rubbed meat. I kept returning to the wine throughout the meal: its an extremely admirable wine, especially for its price."
  • Score: 86 Points

    Wine Enthusiast Author: Roger Voss
    Date: Friday, June 22, 2012
    "This is light, fruity and spicy, with a crisp edge of acidity as well as a soft texture. Ready to drink. Screwcap"
  • The Today Show Author: Edward Deitch
    Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
    "The 2009 Zvy-gelt is all about spicy cherry and has a subtle and intriguing menthol note. It is somewhat like pinot noir but more peppery. Softly tannic, it’s easy to drink but packs a lot of interest for its $10 price. Try it with burgers, pizza and other casual foods."
  • Score: 90 Points

    Wine & Spirits Author: Unlisted
    Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
    "Forstreiter is the wine for fried chicken- what is fried chicken but the American version of schnitzel? Try the juicy, spicy Zvy-gelt, the red sibling of their Grooner. Based in Kremstal, 45 year old Meinhard Frostreiter is regarded as one of the regions's most promising winemakers, presiding over 63 sustainably farmed acres."
    Grade: 2012 Value Brands of the Year
  • Score: 87 Points

    Wine Spectator Author: Kim Marcus
    Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2012
    "This medium-bodied red offers pleasant light berry and cherry flavors supported by fresh acidity. Meaty notes mark the firm finish, with hints of red licorice"

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