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.
Pinot Gris is a grey grape variety mutated from Pinot Noir. It has its origins in Burgundy, where it is called pinot-beurot in reference to the colour of the grey robes worn by the monks of the region. Established in Alsace since the 17th century, pinot gris was called tokay until 2007. It is made up of bunches of small berries that vary in colour from pink to blue-grey. It is particularly well suited to the continental climate because it is resistant to the cold in winter and to spring frosts. This variety also likes dry limestone soils with plenty of sunshine in the summer. Pinot Gris is well suited to late harvesting or to the selection of noble grapes, depending on the year and the concentration of sugars in the berries. Pinot Gris wines are distinguished by their aromatic complexity of white fruits, mushrooms, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, etc., and their great finesse. In the Loire Valley, pinot gris is used in the Coteaux-d'Ancenis appellations. It gives dry or sweet wines with pear and peach aromas.
white wines from the region of Austria go well with generally quite well with dishes of rich fish (salmon, tuna etc), shellfish or mild and soft cheese such as recipes of tuna gratin, spaghetti with clams or tartiflette.
On the nose in the region of Austria often reveals types of flavors of grapefruit, tropical or citrus and sometimes also flavors of apples, peach or green apple. In the mouth in the region of Austria is a with a nice freshness.
