Zierfandler

Zierfandler is a white grape of Austria's Thermenregion, especially around Gumpoldskirchen. Its other name, Spätrot, refers to the reddish colour the berries can take late in ripening, not to a red wine. It is traditionally associated with Rotgipfler in blends, while varietal bottlings allow its individual character to come into focus.

The wines can combine breadth and a nutty dimension with freshness, but the grape is not tied to one sweetness level. A dry table wine and a late-harvest sweet expression have different uses. This is also a name to keep separate from Zinfandel: the resemblance in spelling is not evidence that they are the same grape.

For a dry example, think of roast poultry, richer vegetable dishes or fish with a substantial sauce, where texture is welcome. Let the wine warm a little in the glass instead of keeping it icy. For a sweeter bottle, plan the food around its actual sugar level and concentration rather than assuming that all Austrian whites belong in the aperitif slot.