Austria - a mountainous, landlocked country in Central Europe - is enjoying a renaissance as a wine nation. It has shaken off decades of controversy caused by a handful of negligent people and has become a model of modern European wine, leading the way in quality and innovation. Balancing tradition and modernity, the Austrian wine industry has retained classics such as Sweet Ausbruch and Strohwein, while actively developing modern, consumer-friendly wines, such as its signature style: Gruner Veltliner, a crisp, Aromatic white wine.
Officially, 35 Grape varieties are permitted for the production of Austrian quality wine, of which almost two-thirds are white varieties.
In terms of Volume, Gruner Veltliner is by far the most important, followed by Riesling. The best wines produced from these two varieties come from the famous regions of Wachau, Kamptal and Kremstal.
Other important grape varieties for Austrian wine include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc (known here by its German name Weissburgunder). Austrian red wines are mainly produced from Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt, St.
Laurent and Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder).
Located in the heart of Europe, between latitudes 46°N and 48°N, Austria is parallel to the centre of France and the South of Germany. Logically, the Climate is slightly Warmer than Germany's, which is reflected in the wine styles; Austria focuses much more on red wines than its cooler northern neighbor. But Austria's climate is not just about latitude; topography plays a key role.
The latest edition of Liv-ex Power 100, which lists the most powerful fine wine brands, shows that the period between October 2020 and September 2021 experienced a rebalancing of the market, with a number of classic labels returning to prominence. Château Lafite Rothschild re-entered the top 10, moving from 11th to 2nd place, while fellow First Growths Mouton-Rothschild and Margaux have also risen, to 6th and 10th place respectively. Petrus also re-entered the top 10, now at 7th place after a ye ...
With the signing off by the Austrian minister of agriculture, sustainability and tourism, Elisabeth Köstinger, Wagram becomes Austria’s seventeenth DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus), following Wachau and Ruster Ausbruch in 2020, and Carnutum in October 2019. ‘This was not an easy nut for the winemakers of the Wagram region to crack,’ said Chris Yorke, CEO of the Austrian wine marketing board, Austrian Wine, ‘but after comprehensive discussions and much thought, the Wagram ...
I first contributed to Decanter back in November 1988; the hundreds of columns and articles I’ve written since constitute a journey of discovery. I squirm, though, if I’m described as a ‘wine expert’. Whatever wine knowledge we acquire quickly cools, congeals and crusts over, like custard or gravy, as the years pass. The wine world expands at a clip. Every vintage rewrites history. It’s the chance to share discoveries – not just about wines, but about people, places and the act of drinking itsel ...
