23 - Austria Flashcards

1
Q

What types of wines is Austria renowned for?

A

Best known for quality of dry whites from Gruner Vetliner and Riesling.

Reds from Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch

Botrytised dessert wines from Welschriesling.

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2
Q

Where are the wine producing regions of Austria and why?

A

In the east, because the Alps cover the West.

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3
Q

What is the climate of the Austrian vineyards

A

Cool Continental with short summers and very harsh winters.

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4
Q

What moderating factors influence the vineyards?

What is notable about the annual weather patterns in Austria?

A

Northerly regions experience cooling from northerly winds.

Southern regions on the Hungarian border are warmed by easterly winds.

Much less variation in annual weather patterns than in Northern Europe.

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5
Q

What is the mostly widely planted white grape in Austria?

Describe it’s style

A

Gruner Vetliner.

Fresh, but unexciting if yields get too high.

Best: F body, Conc. wine,
Natural H acid.

Citrus & Stone Fruit,
Hint of white pepper sometimes.
Age: Honey and Toast

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6
Q

What storage/maturation options are used for Gruner Vetliner?

A

Majority ferm and store in S/S.
Some use old oak casks.
Some may mature a portion of best wines in new oak barriques.

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7
Q

What is the 2nd most planted white variety in Austria?

What are the character of it’s dry wines?

A

Welschriesling.

Fresh, simple, H acid, Citrus and green apple.

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8
Q

Where are the best Riesling wines in Austria found.

Describe their style?

A

Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal

Dry, M-F body, ripe peachy primary fruit. Best can mature in bottle.

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9
Q

Besides Gruner, Welschriesling, and Riesling what other 3 white grapes are planted in Austria, with one gaining particular support in the southern region of __________?

A

Chardonnay
Muller Thergau
Sauvignon Blanc - Steiermark.

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10
Q

What is the most widely planted back variety in Austria?

What is it a crossing of?

A

Zweigelt.

Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent.

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11
Q

What is the most highly regarded black grape in Austria?

A

Blaufrankisch

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12
Q

What kind of wine does Blaufrankisch produce?

A

Medium Tannin, High Acid and peppery, sour cherry flavour.

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13
Q

What kind of wine does St. Laurent produce?

A

Similar in character to Pinot Noir.

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14
Q

Is oak ageing common for Austrian reds?

A

Yes

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15
Q

What international varieties do a number producers blend Austrian red varietals with?

A

Pinot Noir.
Cab Sauv
Merlot.

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16
Q

What are the four federal states of Austria for PDO wines?

Which 2 account for the vast majority of production?

A

Niederosterreich (Lower Austria)
Burgenland
Steiermark (Styria)
Wien (Vienna)

The first 2

17
Q

What is the largest region of Austria for production and export?

A

Niederosterreich

18
Q

How many sub regions does Niederosterriech have?

Which is the most renowned? What is it renowned for?

A

8

Wachau - High quality dry wines from Gruner or Riesling.

19
Q

Where are the vineyards in Niederosterrich located?

A

On the banks of the Danube in the south and further north towards the Slovak border.

20
Q

Describe the topography of Wachau

A

Steep, often terraced south facing vineyards next to the Danube help Riesling develop highly concentrated flavours.

21
Q

Is Wachau a DAC?

A

No

22
Q

Name 2 Austrian DAC’s just North of Wachau?

What style of wines are produced there?

A

Kamptal DAC
Kremstal DAC

Similar style dry whites to Wachau from Gruner or Riesling.

23
Q

What is the only grape allowed in Weinviertel DAC?

A

Gruner

24
Q

What are the 2 levels to the Weinviertel DAC?

How do they differ?

A

Klassik - Light, fresh, fruity style with no discernible oak flavour.

Reserve - Higher Min. Alc and are allowed to be matured in oak.

25
Q

Where is Burgenland located?

What is is famous for?

A

To the east of Austria, along the border with Hungary.

Top quality sweet and red wines.

26
Q

Besides sweet and red, what other types of wine are made in Burgenland and from what grapes?

A

Dry white, from Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Gruner and Chardonnay.

27
Q

What geographical feature is key to sweet wine production in this area?

Name one of the most widely used grapes for sweet wines in this region?

A

Neusiedlersee, a vast shallow lake and it’s surrounding wetland regions supply almost guaranteed autumn frosts for botrytis.

Welschriesling.

28
Q

Where do the best red wines in Austria come from?

A

The higher grounds away from the lake and in the hills further south of the Neusiedlersee.

29
Q

What grape is Neusiedlersee a DAC for?

A

Zweigelt

30
Q

How many DAC’s for Blaufrankisch are there?

What is the biggest?

A

3

Mittelburgenland DAC.