Top 100 wines of Austria - Page 4

Discovering the wine region of Austria

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.