Turn Me Red 2009 is a blend of 70% Zweigelt and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the Burgenland growing region of Austria. The Zweigelt grape is a cross of Blaufrankish (known as Lemberger in Germany) and St. Laurent, a grape that is in the same family as Pinot Noir. The winemakers figured that a you probably walk right past the Zweigelt section of the wine shop, but you will stop to look at a bottle with a blonde in a red dress on the label. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks and used oak barrels. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color is dark, but see-thru black cherry red. There is jammy red fruit on the nose. A medium bodied wine, very soft and smooth, no rough edges on this one. Tastes of fleshy red fruit, cherry, plum, raspberry with a little Nestle Quick powder running underneath all the fruit. The Turn Me Red is supple, but simple. The finish is dark fruit, blackberry and is a bit short.
The Turn Me Red 2009 is an inexpensive ( should be available for $10 or under) introduction to Austrian red wines, every one is familar with Reislings and possible Gruner Veitliner, but red wines? Not so much. A good tasting, easy to drink, but not too thought provoking wine. Drink it with burgers or pizza and the Turn Me Red will do just fine.
