Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein Profundo Zweigelt 2020

Winery Background and History

The Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein (also known as Liechtenstein Winery) has been in the ownership of the Princely House since 1436. Located in Wilfersdorf, Austria, the estate includes historical vineyards such as Karlsberg and Johannesberg. The family’s centuries-long tradition of viticulture is paired with modern wine‐making techniques to produce refined Austrian wines, including this Profundo bottling, which represents their work with native grapes and a push toward greater terroir expression. 

Producer and Wine Maker

The wine is produced by the estate team led by the Princely family, currently represented by Princess Marie. Winemaking for Profundo involves precise vineyard selection, minimal intervention fermentations, and maturation in French oak barriques for added complexity. The goal is to showcase the Zweigelt grape in a rich, expressive style while retaining elegance and freshness. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Zweigelt grapes for Profundo are sourced from single vineyards, primarily Karlsberg and Johannesberg in Wilfersdorf, situated in Lower Austria. The climate is cool with fertile loess soils. Long, cool ripening combined with warm days and cooler nights preserves acidity and develops nuanced fruit flavors. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

After hand harvest, the grapes undergo gentle vinification in wooden fermenters with extended maceration. The wine is matured for about two years in selected French barriques, which contributes to structure, texture, and secondary characteristics while preserving fruit clarity. 

Tasting Notes

Profundo 2020 shows noble ruby-garnet color with dark, ripe berry fruits—black cherry, plum, and cassis—along with herbal and tobacco undertones. There is spice, subtle oak, chocolate nuances, and a polished, rounded palate with ripe tannins and good freshness. The finish is long and elegant. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, game (venison, wild boar), rich stews, and mature cheeses. Also suitable with pork dishes, duck, or dark poultry, especially when complemented by savory sauces or herbal seasoning. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at about 16–18 °C. Decanting for 30 minutes helps open the wine and mellow oak influence. Use a broad red wine glass to capture complexity and aroma expression. Should be allowed to breathe to reveal its full character. 

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine is built for medium-term aging. Drinkable now but capable of developing further over the next 5-8 years with proper cellaring (cool, stable temperature, moderate humidity). Over time expect more tertiary notes—smoky, leather, earth—with maintained freshness. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Zweigelt 

ABV

13 % ABV 

Scores

• Falstaff – 90 Points