The indigenous Zierfandler is a curiosity found in the Thermenregion, and derives from Roter Veltliner and a second, unknown parentage, that is thought to liken Traminer. Zierfandler is traditionally blended with Rotgipfler, and vinified as 'Spätrot-Rotgipfler', either as a blend of the two varieties after fermentation, or if planted together in the vineyard, as a mixture.
probably Thermenregion, Austria
Natural crossing of Roter Veltliner and a Traminer-like variety
61.63 ha; 0.1% of the total area under vine
White wine grape variety
Vineyard area
This autochthonous variety is a rare gem that grows almost exclusively in the Thermenregion.
Important ampelographic features
Important ampelographic features
Leaf
large, circular, three to five lobes, hairy underside
Grape cluster
medium-sized, very densely berried, cylindrical, shouldered, rarely with secondary clusters; berries are round and reddish in colour (Spätrot)
Vine growth over the course of the year
Ripening
Ripening
Significance & conditions
In the Thermenregion, Zierfandler (Spätrot) and Rotgipfler are sometimes vinified as a Spätrot-Rotgipfler, either blended as two separate varieties or grown and harvested together in the same vineyard. Zierfandler requires the best vineyards and also likes soil that provides only a shallow root depth. It is sensitive to winter frosts and highly prone to botrytis, but also very tolerant of dry conditions and lime-rich soils.
Area under vine in Austria
(as a proportion of the variety’s total area)
Click on the wine origin in the list for a breakdown into more specific regions of origin.
Total area in Austria:
The Leithaberg and Neusiedlersee wine-growing regions overlap by almost 160 ha (Rieds Hausberg and Neuberg), according to the Austrian Wine Law. This means that the listed area under vine in Burgenland is 160 ha less than the actual total area across all wine-growing regions in Burgenland.
Characteristics of the wine
Characteristics of the wine
When the grapes are well ripened, the wines are characterised by extract, a pleasant acidity and delicate floral notes. Trockenbeeren-auslese displays a honey-like bouquet that can be complemented by mineral notes. Prädikatswein from this variety has excellent storage potential.
Link
Source varietal specifications: Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau (Federal College and Federal Office for Viticulture, Oenology and Fruit Growing) in Klosterneuburg, “Austria’s Qualitätswein grape varieties and their clones“ („Österreichische Qualitätsweinrebsorten und deren Klone“), 2nd, reviewed edition, September 2015
Source area under vine: Calculation by Austrian Wine based on data from BML/IACS (as at 3 July 2024). Moving annual total (MAT) from July 2023 to July 2024.