23 - Austria Flashcards
What types of wines is Austria renowned for?
Best known for quality of dry whites from Gruner Vetliner and Riesling.
Reds from Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch
Botrytised dessert wines from Welschriesling.
Where are the wine producing regions of Austria and why?
In the east, because the Alps cover the West.
What is the climate of the Austrian vineyards
Cool Continental with short summers and very harsh winters.
What moderating factors influence the vineyards?
What is notable about the annual weather patterns in Austria?
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.
What is the mostly widely planted white grape in Austria?
Describe it’s style
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
What storage/maturation options are used for Gruner Vetliner?
Majority ferm and store in S/S.
Some use old oak casks.
Some may mature a portion of best wines in new oak barriques.
What is the 2nd most planted white variety in Austria?
What are the character of it’s dry wines?
Welschriesling.
Fresh, simple, H acid, Citrus and green apple.
Where are the best Riesling wines in Austria found.
Describe their style?
Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal
Dry, M-F body, ripe peachy primary fruit. Best can mature in bottle.
Besides Gruner, Welschriesling, and Riesling what other 3 white grapes are planted in Austria, with one gaining particular support in the southern region of __________?
Chardonnay
Muller Thergau
Sauvignon Blanc - Steiermark.
What is the most widely planted back variety in Austria?
What is it a crossing of?
Zweigelt.
Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent.
What is the most highly regarded black grape in Austria?
Blaufrankisch
What kind of wine does Blaufrankisch produce?
Medium Tannin, High Acid and peppery, sour cherry flavour.
What kind of wine does St. Laurent produce?
Similar in character to Pinot Noir.
Is oak ageing common for Austrian reds?
Yes
What international varieties do a number producers blend Austrian red varietals with?
Pinot Noir.
Cab Sauv
Merlot.