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.
Furmint is a very old Hungarian grape variety. It arrived in France in the 1800s. The bunches of Furmint are of medium size. They are compact and cylindrical. The berries are also of medium size. They are either short elliptical or rounded. Their thick skin changes from greenish white to reddish once the fruit is mature. This grape variety is known throughout the world for being part of the composition of the Hungarian Tokaj vintage. Robust, rich in alcohol and acidity, it needs light soil and a warm, dry climate to be fertile. It must also be pruned short and its budding takes place 7 days after the Chasselas. As for its maturity, it is of the second late period. This grape variety fears grey rot and erinosis. When vinified dry, Furmint produces a very fragrant, fine and highly alcoholic white wine.
sweet wines from the region of Austria go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, rich fish (salmon, tuna etc) or vegetarian such as recipes of endives with ham, barbecued mackerel papillotes or summer tuna quiche.
On the nose in the region of Austria often reveals types of flavors of honey, earth or dried fruit and sometimes also flavors of apples, pear or tree fruit. In the mouth in the region of Austria is a powerful with a good balance between acidity and sweetness.
