Austria can lay claim to a storied history of wine making though its modern chapter began in the late 1980’s with an overhaul following a scandal. The industry got serious about creating a distinct and authentic Austrian expression that focused on being fruit driven and elegant. The result is a range of crisp and fruity wines that are mostly light to medium bodied and delight the consumers, be they enthusiasts or rank beginners.
Austria’s second coming is best exemplified by the international success of indigenous white wine, Gruner Vetliner that’s aromatic and refreshing. It is also Austria’s most widely planted variety. Riesling is also popular and the dry style is influenced by neighbouring Germany. The regions of Wachau, Kampal and Kremstal make Austria’s best white wines, tapping Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay as well for variety.
Austria also makes some noteworthy red wines, primarily from local grape Blaufrankisch and cool climate favourite Pinot Noir which grows rather well in Austrian terroir. Austria’s wine regions can be found primarily in the north-east of the country, in the state of Niederosterreich bordering Hungary and the Czech Republic. Pronounced contrasts between day and night temperatures and nutrient rich mosaic of soils collide helpfully to bear wine grapes of sterling potential.
key regions
key regions
Kamptal
Kamptal nestles in the country’s north, close to capital city Vienna and is widely credited with making Austria’s finest Gruner Vetliner wines and discernibly mineral driven Rieslings from fruit picked from terraced vineyards running along the banks of the river Kamp. The sub region is part of the vast Niederösterreich region that is the country’s largest and makes more than half of all Austrian wine. Kamptal is blessed with diurnal temperature variations that allow for good ripening and the crucial retention of acidity. The region also boasts a number of good red wine producers who bottle local varietal Zweigelt and a few cases of Pinot Noir.
Burgenland
Burgenland’s vineyards sit on the banks of Lake Neusiedl, bordering Hungary. The region is renowened for producing opulent and full bodied wines from the varieties Blaufränkisch, St Laurent and Zweigelt thanks to the unique soil character and warm, continental climate. Lake Neusiedl plays a vital role by absorbing the storing summer heat from the plains and creates enough humidity to lengthen the ripening season, making for better fruit at harvest. The region is also famous for making dessert wines using the Noble Rot method.
Steiermark
Ensconced in Austria’s relatively warmer south, Steiermark is a picturesque and windswept region blessed with Mediterranean climate and the capacity to produce aromatic styles from local and French noble grapes. Also known as Styria, Steiermark is one of Austria’s smallest yet most prized wine region. It produces less than 10 per cent of all Austrian wine and yet some of its highest quality wines thanks to a long ripening season that imbues the grapes with sublime flavours.
Among Styria’s three significant sub regions is Sudsteiermark, famous for making some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in Europe outside of France. In fact, the biodynamic estate of Sattlerhoff (imported by Wine Park) produces a ‘Sauv Blanc’ style that best captures the Styrian terror, redolent with lemon zest, cut grass and piping acidity.
key varietals
key varietalsGrüner Veltliner is synonymous with Austria and counts itself among the esteemed club of international white wines the world knows and drinks. The grape produces a light, fruity and refreshing wine of varying styles that best reflect its terroir. A classic ‘drink now’ wine, Gruner Vetliner is often hailed as a new world wine that just happens to be produced in the old.
Riesling is German by origin but has a history with Austria dating back centuries. And while Germany makes a wide range including sinfully sweet styles, Austria has honed a refreshing dry style complemented by minerality and pleasing acidity, making for a great aperitif for anytime of the day.
Blaufränkisch is a proud if underrated Austrian native that certainly deserves more attention. The grape ripens late and can therefore full achieve a fuller body and a spectrum of flavours including plum and cherry. This Austrian red grape makes premium barrel aged vintages as well as affordable easy drinking quaff.
Pinot Noir
It’s no surprise that world’s leading cool climate red wine would thrive in a cool climate country. Austria loves it Pinot and consciously tries not to ape Burgundy, having fashioned a style that is interestingly fuller bodied and still high in acidity. Austrian Pinot Noir is also well noted for distinct earthiness and minerality.
Our Key Wines
