The country of Austria is steadily growing in both wine production and quality. The rise in popularity can be partly attributed to the success of
Grüner Veltliner, the most-planted grape of Austria. As a landlocked country Austria has a decidedly continental climate. Most Austrian wine comes from the region of Lower Austria, which happens to be located in the northeast corner of the country, but called as such because of its lower elevation level. Within Lower Austria are many sub-regions, the most well-known being Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal. To the south of Lower Austria is Burgenland, known for producing good reds and sweet whites. Styria is the furthest south, on the border of Slovenia and produces very little of Austria's total wine production. Wein, or Vienna, is its own region as well, a little enclave inside of Lower Austria.
Notable Facts
Beyond the delicious Grüner Veltliner, Austria's white grape varieties include
Riesling, which can make both sweet and dry wines, Weschriesling,
Sauvignon Blanc and some Weissburgunder, (we know it as
Pinot Blanc). In reds the best grapes are Blaufränkisch, a red grape also found in Germany, which creates wines that are strong and structured, and usually from Burgenland. Another red coming out of the country is the indigenous crossing (one of the parents is Blaufrankisch), Zweigelt (zuh-VYE-gelt). This is a big and fruity red, usually best drunk young, and quite pleasing.
Austrian Wine Laws & Levels
Like
Germany, wine quality is determined by the must weight of the grapes when picked – in other words, the ripeness level. Austria is fairly strict when it comes to their wine laws. The first level of quality is Tafelwein, regular table wine and by far the most produced. Next is Landwein, one step up from Table wine and with more regulations.