Deep Creek Wine Estate

2004 Zweigelt Family Reserve

Information Sheet

Zweigelt is a rare grape variety in the Okanagan Valley and it is very well suited to the Okanagan’s dry, continental climate. A native to Austria, where it was developed in 1920 by crossing two local varieties: Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger) and St. Laurent, Zweigelt is now one of the most widely planted reds in Austria, but it hardly grown outside of that country. It was named after Prof. Dr. Zweigelt, the director of the research institute where the grape variety was developed. The grapes for this wine were sourced from , Munson’s View Vineyards and Meinzinger Vineyards, all in Penticton.

The grapes were harvested between Oct. 27th and Nov. 1st at an average of 24.1% sugar, and fermented on the skins for 10 days, giving the juice a deep ruby red colour, with a characteristic bluish tinge. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks then spend 12 month in used french Oak barrel where it went through malolactic fermentation.

Raspberry, blackberry and cocoa notes dominate the aromas, with background hints of leather and nutmeg. The wine is lightly oaked, and finishes dry with soft tannins – this makes it a natural match with many kinds of dishes. Its mouth-filling, smooth and yet fruit-forward character will make a wonderful match with many poultry, pork and even seafood dishes, especially if the flavours are bold. Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes are also excellent companions to this unique wine, as are sharp cheeses like aged cheddar and Asiago.

This marks Hainle Vineyards’ 4th vintage of Zweigelt, in both the oak-aged and unoaked styles. The wine has enjoyed tremendous popularity among our customers, and has been a consistent medal-winner. In 2007 it won Best of show and Gold at the International wine show in Los Angelas, North Americas most prestige wine show. When still young, it will benefit from some air contact; letting the wine breathe and decanting it will improve its flavours. Winemaker Jason Parkes expects this wine to drink well and keep improving from now until at least 2015. All winemaking practises at Hainle Vineyards are to the 1856 Huber family wine purity laws. This means no chemicals, low sulphite levels, and minimal fining and filtration.

Harvest: Munson View and Meinzinger Vineyard, 24.1% sugar, Oct 27 – Nov 1, 2003

Bottling: May 2007, 525 cases. 12.6% alc/vol, 1.0 g/l residual sugar (completely dry), 6.0 g/l acid.

This wine is sold directly at the winery, in a number of select restaurants, hotels and lodges, and in the British Columbia VQA stores. It is priced at release day

at $29.90 / 750 mL bottle.

SKU #: 632885

For more information please contact info@hainle.com