Black and red - Johann Schwarz - 2021

75 cl

Falstaff: 95-97 points

Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Zweigelt

Tasting note:

Dark ruby-garnet colour, opaque core, violet reflections, subtle ochre rim brightening. Ripe black cherries and plums, underlaid with candied violets and mandarin zest, inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, a hint of caramel, silky tannins, good length and freshness, already well developed and accessible, with secure ageing potential.

Viticulture Schwarz:

Around twenty years ago, trained butcher Hans Schwarz from Andau took an unusual risk: he turned his butchery into a hobby and his previous hobby, viticulture, into a profession. But it was the right decision. As the warmest place in Austria, Andau offers the best conditions for making great wines. Not least because of Hans' often unorthodox methods, the Schwarz wines quickly became a cult favourite. Hans Schwarz favoured the indigenous Zweigelt, which is still praised today as "Schwarz-Rot" by wine lovers, wine journalists, wine connoisseurs and wine restaurateurs. The "The Butcher" line is a tribute to the beginnings. However, the future must not be forgotten, and so Michael Schwarz, who has been running the day-to-day business since 2018, is now expanding "The Butcher" to include international grape varieties. Michael returned after many internships abroad to continue his father's work. He is planning two new lines in the premium and basic range for the coming year.

The winery itself will be extended to include a cosy tasting room, where you can not only try the cult wines for yourself, but also Burgenland delicacies such as homemade bacon or Hans' famous chilli cheese krainer. After all, food and drink have always gone hand in hand at Schwarz. Michael tries to achieve what is expected of all young winemakers: to do everything just like his father - but in a completely different way.