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Austrian wines are mostly dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting almost two-thirds of wine production. The country has a long winemaking history dating back to the Celts and the Roman Empire. Austria's most significant grape variety is Grüner Veltliner, an up-and-coming white grape that has been key in getting its wine back on the map in recent years. The country is also known for its unique grape varieties, many of which are exclusively found in its wine-growing regions. The wines are appreciated by wine experts and highly acclaimed by journalists for their exceptional taste and ability to pair well with food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine-growing regions | Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, Vienna |
| Grape varieties | Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St Laurent, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Roter Veltliner, Blauer Portugieser, Sankt Laurent, Blauer Wildbacher, Roesler |
| Wine types | Dry white wines, dessert wines, red wines, sparkling wines |
| Producers | Small family wineries, Weingut Bründlmayer, Weingut F.X. |
| Wine laws | DAC (Districtur Austriae Controllatus) system of geographical appellations, Qualitätsweine |
| Wine culture | Wine roads, cellar tours, vintner visits, vineyard classification |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian wine is mostly dry white
Austrian wines are predominantly dry whites, with around two-thirds of wine production coming from white grape varieties. The most common white grape variety is Grüner Veltliner, which is known for its ability to reflect its terroir, with each glass painting a vivid picture of the vineyard in which it was grown. Grüner Veltliner wines are generally dry and range from short-lived Heuriger wines to Spätleses with long ageing potential. They are characterised by notes of stone fruit, citrus, and a twist of pepper with bright acidity.
The second most important wine variety in Austria is the red wine variety Zweigelt, which makes up around 15% of the vineyards. Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger or Kékfrankos in neighbouring Hungary, is another key red grape variety and is the most significant in the South Burgenland region, where the red, iron-rich soil imparts a distinct spiciness to the wines.
While white wines dominate Austrian wine production, red wines are gaining popularity, currently making up about 30% of wines. In addition to Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, other important red grape varieties include St. Laurent, which originated in France in the mid-19th century, and Pinot Noir, which has a long history in the region.
Austria has four main wine-growing regions: Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Vienna. Lower Austria is the largest wine-growing region, covering 60% of the total vineyards, and is known for its top-notch white wines, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and ancient varieties like Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. Burgenland, the second-largest region, offers ideal conditions for full-bodied red wines like Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent, as well as dessert wines like Eiswein. Styria, the third-biggest region, is known for its dry white wines, with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Welschriesling being the main grape varieties.
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The Grüner Veltliner grape is key
Austria is known for its dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting around two-thirds of wine production. The Grüner Veltliner grape is the dominant white grape in Austria, producing generally dry wines ranging from short-lived Heuriger wines to Spätleses capable of long life. The grape is key to Austrian wine, with around 44% of wine production coming from Grüner Veltliner.
Austria's most significant grape variety by far, this up-and-coming white grape has been central to getting Austrian wine back on the map in recent years. Much like Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner has a remarkable ability to reflect its terroir, with each glass painting a picture of the vineyard in which it was grown. This is just one element that makes this a fascinating grape with huge potential to continue to impress in the world of fine wine. Grüner can produce charming wines, from simple, refreshing 'straight-up' styles (with stone fruit, citrus, and a twist of pepper with bright acidity) to impressively structured fine wines with great energy, depth, and structure, concentrated flavours, and great capacity for ageing.
The biggest of the four wine-growing regions in Austria is Lower Austria, which covers 60% of the total vineyards. This is also home to Austria's top-notch white wines, above all the Grüner Veltliner, but also fruity Rieslings and some more ancient varieties like the Zierfandler or Rotgipfler. The Weinviertel lies in the northeast corner of Austria, between the Danube and the Czech and Slovak borders. The biggest single wine region in Austria is home to half the Grüner Veltliner in the country. Between Krems and Vienna lies the Wagram, which covers two very different areas. North of the Danube is the plateau of Wagram, where the Grüner Veltliner is a bit more full-bodied and aromatic, and Roter Veltliner is something of a local speciality.
Austrian wine is some of the most quality-focused in Europe. For wine lovers, this means you’ll find well-made artisan wines at prices representing brilliant value across the spectrum, from weekday wines to fine wines for laying down. Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most famous export, making delicious crisp, fresh-tasting white wines with notes of ripe apple and a characteristically intriguing twist of white pepper.
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Red soil gives distinct spiciness
Austrian wines are mostly dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting around two-thirds of wine production. However, about 30% of Austrian wines are red, made from grape varieties such as Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St Laurent.
The distinct spiciness of Austrian red wines is partly due to the unique soil composition in the region. The South Burgenland region, specifically Eisenberg, is known for its red, iron-rich soil, which imparts a distinct spiciness to the Blaufränkisch grown there. Additionally, the extinct volcanoes east of Graz contribute to the rich soil in Southeast Styria, infusing the wines with a subtle smokiness and a distinctive mineral edge. The deep soils between Vienna and the Neusiedlersee have also established a reputation for well-balanced red wines with bold fruit flavors and a hint of spice.
The Grüner Veltliner grape, a white variety, is Austria's most significant grape type and is key to the country's wine production. It is known for its ability to reflect its terroir, with each glass showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyard in which it was grown. However, red wines from Austria also possess a distinct spiciness due to the specific soil types and climatic conditions in the region.
The combination of warm days and cool nights in certain regions of Austria results in a long growing season, producing crisp, aromatic, and full-bodied wines. The steep slopes of the sandstone hills also play a role in grape cultivation, as they provide ideal conditions for grapes like Riesling, which thrives in these environments. The varying soil types, from limestone to clay, influence the nutrients available to the vines, thereby affecting the flavors, textures, and aromas of the resulting wines.
Overall, the unique soil composition, climate, and topography of Austrian wine-growing regions contribute to the distinct spiciness of their red wines. The interplay between the natural environment and human craftsmanship shapes the character and identity of Austrian red wines, making them a special offering in the world of wine.
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Austrian wine is quality-focused
Austrian wine is some of the most quality-focused in Europe. The country has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Celts and the Roman Empire, and today, Austria has a reputation for producing high-quality, unique wines that offer excellent value for money.
Austrian wines are mostly dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting around two-thirds of wine production. The most famous of these is Grüner Veltliner, which is known for its ability to reflect its terroir, with each glass vividly showcasing the vineyard in which it was grown. This grape variety produces wines that range from simple, refreshing styles with stone fruit, citrus, and white pepper notes, to structured fine wines with great depth and ageing potential.
Austria also has a wealth of indigenous grape varieties, with around 35 authorised for quality wine production. The country's unique grape varieties are often exclusively found in its wine-growing regions, and they contribute to the distinct character of Austrian wines. The key red grapes include Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St Laurent, while other important white varieties besides Grüner Veltliner are Welschriesling and Riesling.
Austria's wine-growing regions also play a significant role in the quality focus of its wines. The country has three major wine-growing regions: Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Styria. Lower Austria is the largest, covering 60% of the total vineyards, and it is known for its flagship wine, Grüner Veltliner, as well as Riesling and other ancient varieties. Burgenland, the second-largest region, offers ideal conditions for full-bodied red wines like Blaufränkisch and elegant dessert wines like Eiswein. Styria, the third-biggest region, is known for its dynamic wine provinces, producing Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, and Gelber Muskateller.
The Austrian wine industry is also characterised by its small family producers, who have been crafting fine wines for centuries. These wineries combine traditional viticulture with modern vinification processes, embracing the motto of "quality without compromise". As a result, Austrian wines are highly acclaimed by wine critics, who appreciate their exceptional flavour and their ability to pair wonderfully with food.
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Small family producers dominate
Austria's wine regions are mainly located in the east of the country, in the provinces of Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, and Vienna. The country has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the Celts and the Roman Empire. Austrian wines are mostly dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting almost two-thirds of wine production.
Austria's wine-growing area totals 113,000 acres and is managed by 23,000 wine growers. Notably, virtually all of Austria's fine wines are produced by small family wineries, which have been doing so for centuries. These small family producers are known for their quality-conscious practices, contributing to the country's reputation for producing high-quality wines.
The Grüner Veltliner grape is Austria's most significant variety and is considered the country's flagship wine, accounting for 37-44% of wine production. It produces dry wines ranging from short-lived Heuriger wines to Spätleses with long ageing potential. Grüner Veltliner wines are known for their ability to reflect their terroir, with each glass showcasing the unique characteristics of the vineyard in which the grapes were grown.
In addition to Grüner Veltliner, Austrian winemakers also produce a range of other wines, including Riesling, Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent. The country's unique grape varieties and small family producers make it a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons with delicious, food-friendly bottles that offer excellent value for money.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian wines are mostly dry white wines, with white grape varieties constituting around two-thirds of wine production. The most common grape used in Austrian wine is Grüner Veltliner, which is used to make both simple, refreshing wines and fine wines.
Austria has a wealth of indigenous grape varieties, many of which are unique to the country's wine-growing regions. Austria's small family wineries have been producing high-quality wines for centuries, combining traditional viticulture with modern vinification processes.
Austria has three major wine-growing regions: Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Styria. Lower Austria is the largest wine-growing region, covering 60% of the country's vineyards. The second-largest region is Burgenland, which is known for its full-bodied red wines. Styria is the third-largest region and is known for its dry white wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Welschriesling.
Some of the best producers of Austrian wine include Weingut Bründlmayer and Weingut F.X. Austrian wines are also known for their quality and value for money, making them a popular choice among wine lovers.
