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

61.44 ha; 0.1%

White wine grape variety


Vineyard area

This autochthonous variety is a rare gem that grows almost exclusively in the Thermenregion.

A picture shows grapes of the grape variety Zierfandler.

Important ampelographic features

© Austrian Wine / Oberleithner

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)

Ripening

Ripening

very early
early
early to middle
middle
middle to late
late
very late

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.

A picture shows a hand holding a glass of white wine.

Characteristics of the wine

© Austrian Wine / Blickwerk Fotografie

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

Autochthonous Varieties

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 28 June 2023). Moving annual total (MAT) from June 2022 to June 2023.

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