Austrian Wine: Worth The Hype?

Austrian wines are powerful, pristine, and fruity. The country is known for its white wines, with Grüner Veltliner being the national grape. This grape is dry, peppery, and high in acidity, with grapefruit and white pepper as the two classic flavours associated with it. While Austrian wines are often overshadowed by wines from other regions like Germany and Italy, they are of very high quality and offer great value. In fact, Austrian winemakers are borderline obsessed with quality. The Wachau wine region in Austria is even a UNESCO world heritage site.

Austrian wine is powerful, pristine, and fruity

Austria has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Celts, and the country is known for its strict wine legislation and focus on quality. The national grape of Austria is Grüner Veltliner, a versatile wine that can be found in many Austrian wine regions and is a popular choice in restaurants. It is characterised by its dry, peppery, and high-acidity flavour profile, with notes of grapefruit and white pepper. Grüner Veltliner pairs exceptionally well with food, especially non-spicy dishes such as schnitzel, river fish, and green vegetables like asparagus and artichokes. The grape is also highly food-friendly when made into an orange wine, as evidenced by the award-winning Domäne Baumgartner, which impressed judges with its racing acidity and layers of ripe stone fruit and spice.

Austrian wine extends beyond Grüner Veltliner, however, and the country produces a range of exceptional reds and whites. The Blaufränkisch, for example, is a rich, spicy, and tannin-rich red wine predominantly grown in the Burgenland region. Zweigelt, created by Professor Fritz Zweigelt, is another popular Austrian red, known for its violet-reddish colour and soft tannins. It is the most widespread red wine in Austria and can be found in almost all wine-producing regions.

When it comes to white wines, Austria's Wachau region is a paradise for enthusiasts. This small wine region in Lower Austria is home to vineyards that produce world-renowned Riesling, Chardonnay, Muskateller, Pinot Blanc, Traminer, and Sauvignon Blanc. The cool, sunny climate of the Wachau valley, surrounded by the Blue Danube River, creates the perfect environment for these grapes to thrive.

Austria also has several wine regions that fly under the radar, such as Styria, which accounts for less than 10% of the country's wine production. Styria is known as "The Green Heart of Austria" and is a leader in the Natural Wine movement. The region produces exceptional rosé, as well as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Overall, Austrian wines offer exceptional quality and value, and the country's wine industry is steadily gaining recognition globally. With powerful, pristine, and fruity notes, Austrian wines are a delight for wine enthusiasts looking to explore diverse and dynamic flavours.

Grüner Veltliner is the national grape of Austria

Grüner Veltliner is believed to have originated in Austria and was first mentioned in a document in 1855. The grape gained prominence in the 1950s with the introduction of Lenz Moser's high vine training system and later became Austria's most planted variety. It is grown extensively in almost every Austrian wine region, with the finest expressions coming from vineyards above the Danube River in Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal.

The grape typically ripens in mid-to-late October in the Northern Hemisphere and is known for its yellow-green berries and fresh green-pepper character. Grüner Veltliner wines can range from light and acidic to full-bodied and age-worthy, with citrus, stone fruit, and spicy pepper notes. They are known for their food-friendliness and versatility, pairing well with a variety of dishes, including schnitzels, potato salad, and spicy foods.

Austrian wine is underrated

Austria has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Celts, and the country is known for its strict wine legislation and classifications. The nation's signature grape, Grüner Veltliner, is a versatile wine that can be found in many Austrian wine regions and is a popular choice in restaurants. It is characterised by its dry, peppery, and high-acidity flavour profile, with notes of grapefruit and white pepper, making it a perfect pairing for schnitzel or potato salad. Grüner Veltliner also ages incredibly well, with high-acidity grapes mellowing out over time to reveal herbal, lentil, and nutty aromas.

Beyond Grüner Veltliner, Austria offers a diverse range of wines. The Wachau region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its white wines, with Riesling, Chardonnay, Muskateller, Pinot Blanc, Traminer, and Sauvignon Blanc thriving in the cool, sunny climate. The steep terraces of vineyards in this region are protected by ancient rock walls, creating a unique microclimate that adds to the distinct character of the wines.

Austria also produces excellent red wines, with Blaufränkisch being a standout variety. Grown predominantly in the Burgenland region, Blaufränkisch displays remarkable independence and individuality, with a rich tannin profile and a pronounced spicy character. Zweigelt, created by Professor Fritz Zweigelt, is another popular Austrian red, known for its violet-reddish colour and soft tannins, delivering tones of Morello cherry.

Austrian winemakers are known for their obsession with quality, and their wines offer incredible value for money. From powerful and pristine whites to elegant reds and distinct sparkling wines, Austria's wine landscape is diverse and exciting. So, if you're looking for something new to explore, Austrian wines are definitely worth discovering.

Austrian wine legislation is strict

The new legislation, the Austrian Wine Act, was passed in 2009, guaranteeing wine regulation and quality. The law is based on European wine legislation but maintains some autonomy, including controlled origin, legal maximum yield, a designation for quality wine, and official quality control.

Austrian wines are classified as either wines with origin (Quality Wine, DAC, Landwein) or generic wines from Austria. The categories are defined by the origin of the grapes and the sugar content of the must, measured by the Klosterneuburg Must Weight (KMW) scale. Quality wine or region-typical quality wine (DAC) must be grown in an Austrian wine-growing region, while Landwein generally comes from a larger wine-growing area.

The Austrian wine law also defines a maximum yield of 10,000 kg of grapes or 7,500 litres of wine per hectare for Landwein, Qualitätswein, and Prädikatswein (classed quality wines). If the yield exceeds this limit, the volume must be declassified as a wine without origin and cannot reference its origin, variety, or vintage on the label.

These strict regulations ensure that Austrian wines meet the high standards of quality and safety, helping to rebuild and maintain the reputation of the country's wine industry.

Austrian wine exports are successful

Austria's winegrowing regions offer diverse terroirs and microclimates, contributing to the complexity and character of their wines. The Wachau region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its cool climate and steep terraces, producing exceptional Riesling, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Burgenland region, known as "The Green Heart of Austria," specializes in Blaufränkisch reds and sweet wines that rival those of Sauternes. The country's small but notable Styria region leads in natural wine production and is known for its fresh and fruity rosés, Chardonnays, and Sauvignon Blancs.

Austrian wines have gained recognition in recent years, receiving accolades from prestigious wine competitions such as the IWSC. In 2022, an orange wine from Domäne Baumgartner and a Chardonnay from Weingut Johann Schneeberger earned Gold medals, showcasing the country's winemaking prowess. Austrian wines offer a unique alternative to more mainstream options, and their growing popularity indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards exploring underrated wine regions.

Despite the challenges posed by unusual weather patterns during the 2022 growing season, Austria has successfully exported its wines globally. The country's wine industry is committed to quality and has implemented strict legislation to ensure the reputation of its wines. The history of Austrian wine is rich, dating back to the Celts, and the industry has evolved to meet modern demands, with a focus on quality and distinct regional characteristics.

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