23 - Austria Flashcards
Describe the climate and grape growing in Austria.
The alps cover the western end of the country, consequently the vineyard sites are in the eastern end of the country. They have a cool continental climate with short summers and very harsh intense. There is much less variation in annual weather conditions than in northern Europe.
What are the dominant varietals in Austria?
- Gruner Veltliner
- Welschrieling
- Riesling
- Zweigelt (Blaufrankisch x St Laurent)
- St Laurent
Describe the common profile of Gruner Veltliner?
Tends to produce fresh but unexciting wines if yields become too high. But grown with care its capable of producing full-bodied concentrated wines with naturally high acidity. In youth it often gives flavours of citrus or stone fruits. Develops layers of honey and toast as the wine ages.
Describe the common profile of Welschriesling?
When produced in a dry style, the wines are usually fresh but simple, displaying citrus and green apple and high acidity. It is capable of producing high quality dessert wines.
Describe German Riesling?
Best usually come from Wachau, Kamptal and Kremstal. Usually dry and medium to full bodied, with ripe, peachy primary fruit. Best examples are capable of maturing in bottle.
Describe Zweigelt wines?
Very deeply coloured reds with soft tannins and bramble fruit.
Describe Blaunfrankisch wines?
Most highly regarded of the Austrian black varietals. Medium tannins, high acidity and a peppery, sour cherry flavour.
Describe St Laurent wines?
Similar in character to Pinto Noir. Oak ageing is common.
In Austria, the four federal PDO states are?
- Neiderosterreich (lower Austria)
- Burgenland
- Steiermark (Stryia)
- Wien (Vienna)
Describe the the area of Neiderosterreich?
Majority of vineyards lie on the banks of the Danube and further north towards the Slovak border.
Wachau is the most renowned region in Neiderosterreich, describe the area and wines?
High quality dry wines made from either Gruner Veltliner or Riesling. Steep often terraced, south facing vineyards next to the Danube, to maximise exposure to the sun and allow the varietals to develop highly concentrated flavours.
Weinviertal DAC is Austria’s largest vine growing area, describe the region and wines?
The first Austrian DAC. Wines must be made light, fresh and fruity style with discernible oak flavours.
Describe the area of Burgenland and its wines.
Lies along the border of Hungary. Best known for top quality sweet white and red wines. Neusiedlersee a vast shallow lake in the north of the province, is key for sweet wine production in this region due to the autumn mists. The best red wines are made from the higher ground in the hills further south.
