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.
White Riesling is a grape variety that originated in France (Alsace). It produces a variety of grape specially used for the elaboration of wine. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small bunches, and small grapes. White Riesling can be found in many vineyards: Alsace, Loire Valley, Languedoc & Roussillon, Lorraine, Provence & Corsica, Rhone Valley, Savoie & Bugey, Beaujolais, South West.
sparkling wines from the region of Austria go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or spicy food such as recipes of pork chops with curry and honey, skate with capers or kimo (malagasy dish with beef).
The world’s largest and most influential wine competition, Decanter World Wine Awards results offer a definitive guide to the dynamic world of wine. Each year’s results offer surprises and revelations, highlighting growth in quality and consistency – or lack thereof. An all-time record for wines tasted, discover the results from the 19th edition of the competition. Quick links to DWWA 2022 results Search all Best in Show medals Search all Platinum medals Search all Gold medals Search ...
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 ...
‘Platinum is very hard-fought’ says co-chair Sarah Jane Evans MW. ‘It’s like something in the Premier League’, she adds, ‘but getting there means it’s going to be something special.’ The Decanter World Wine Awards judging process for Platinum begins after a meticulous first round of tasting, where all entries – this year a record 18,250 – are examined by regional specialists to determine Bronze, Silver, Gold or no award. All wines awarded 95 points (a Gold med ...
