Weingut Schwarz 2020 "The Butcher" Zweigelt

The story of Weingut Schwarz is a wonderful example of a career change rooted in passion, and it is the reason for the wine's name, "The Butcher." The founder, Hans Schwarz, was a trained butcher in the town of Andau, in the Burgenland region of Austria, but he decided to turn his lifelong hobby of viticulture into his full-time profession around 20 years ago. His former occupation led to his nickname, and the brand's identity, which is celebrated for producing wines that pair perfectly with anything sold by a local butcher.

In the beginning, Hans Schwarz was encouraged to make his own wine by renowned figures like wine master Alois Kracher, who was impressed with the quality of the grapes Hans had been growing and selling. The first vintage under the Schwarz label was released in 1999, quickly establishing a cult following due to Hans' often unorthodox methods and dedication to quality, particularly with the indigenous Zweigelt grape, which he famously calls "Schwarz-Rot."

The Butcher Zweigelt offers a savory and characterful expression of the country's most widely planted red grape. It typically displays a violet-reddish color in the glass. On the nose, you can expect an inviting and fresh bouquet with aromas of cherry and dark berries, interwoven with herbaceous and spice notes like cardamom and hints of vanilla or cocoa. Some reviewers also note a subtle earthiness or "forest floor" quality, along with touches of dried cranberry or tobacco spice.