Zierfandler
Austria's Forgotten Aristocrat
Zierfandler is grown in Thermenregion, Gumpoldskirchen and Austria.
3regions it is known for
1other name
- Tastes of
- apricot, peach, honey and spice
- Goes with
- rich fish, cream sauces and white meats
- Also called
- Spätrot
The story
Zierfandler (also called Spätrot) was once Austria's noble white—served at the Habsburg court. Today, it survives only in Thermenregion, making rich, honeyed wines often blended with Rotgipfler. The 'late red' name refers to pink-tinged ripe grapes.
Insider story
Zierfandler was the wine of Austrian nobility.
The blend with Rotgipfler is classic.
Ages beautifully—honeyed, complex.
Technical deep dive
Full-bodied, rich white.
Honey, stone fruit, spice.
Ages 15+ years.
Industry secrets
Old Zierfandler from Thermenregion is a secret among Austrian wine collectors.
The aged wines rival top Burgundy whites.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Rare—Austrian specialty
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Stadlmann
- Alphart
- Johanneshof Reinisch
- Value picks
- Thermenregion Zierfandler ($20-40)
- Price trend
- Slowly rising as discovered.
- Collector’s tip
- Seek aged bottles. The 10-year-old wines are extraordinary value.