Austria Flashcards
What are the three large wine growing area’s of Austria?
a. Weinland, Steirerland, Bergland
How many weinbaugbiete are there in Austria?
18, mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the country in Weinland and Steierland
What is Klosternueberg?
Austria’s most prestigious and historic winemaking school
What is Austria’s most important red grape? What are synonymous names for it?
Zweigelt, Blauer Zweigelt, Rotburger
How many DAC’s are there in Austria?
16
What is KMW?
Klosternueberg Must Weight, 1 degree on the scale is equal to 1 gram of sugar per 100 grams of must
What is the most planted region of Austria?
Neiderostereich (Lower Austria)
What are three geographical features that influence the Neiderosteriech?
Austrian Alps, Pannonian Plains, Danube River
What are three advantages the Austrian Alps provide for grape growing?
Vines are planted at the foothills of the Austrian alps which helps to mitigate frost damage, as the cold air will fall down the slopes rather than collect in the vineyard. As springs become warmer earlier vines are tricked into budding early than damaged in cold snaps of frost. The alps also cause a rainshadow effect on the vineyards in the foothills, reducing rain and moisture and therefore disease pressure. Lastly being planted on hillsides these vineyards receive better exposure to sunlight aiding in phenolic ripening.
What is Vinea Wachau?
A Peer based quality group within the Wachau region that implemented quality standards before DAC’s existed. Members must adhere to rules such as no chaptalization, aromatization, or concentration through R/O or cryoextraction. All grapes must be sourced from the Wachau region
What are the three style designations for Vinea Wachau wines?
Steinfeder- the lightest in style with a maximum ABV of 11.5% usually sourced closest to the river in gravelly alluvial soils. Named for the grass that grows around the vineyards
Federspeil- sourced from the lower slopes of the ridgeline, with a target ABV of 11.5-12.5%, named for falconry tools, a historically and still practiced method of vineyard pest management
Smaragd- richest and most unctuous style of wines with a minimum of 12.5% ABV, may have botrytis concentration. Named for the lizards native to the vineyards
What are the three quality levels for DAC wines?
Gebietswein: Regional wine, wines from a weinbaugebiet with approved varietals
Ortswein: village wine, wines sourced from within a village or large vineyard site
Riedenwein: single highly regarded vineyard with approved varietie
What is Österreichische Traditionsweingüter?
A quality minded peer group started in Kremstal and Kamptal in the 90’s to elevate Austrian wine quality.
What is the “Hill of Heiligenstein” and where is it located?
Located just outside of Zöbing in Kamptal, it is a geological anomaly made up of primarily sandstone
What are the miniumum required ABV’s for Weinvertel DAC and DAC Reserve?
12/13%
What is the permitted variety for Weinvertel DAC
Gruner Veltliner
What is the most planted grape of Carnuntum?
Zweigelt
What are the approved white grapes for Carnuntum DAC?
Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Weissburgunder
What are the approved red grapes for Carnutum DAC?
Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch
Where is Spitzberg and what grape is it known for?
Carnuntum,
Blaufränkisch
Where is Kracher located?
Neusiedlersee DAC, in in the town of Illmitz in Burgenland
Neusiedlersee DAC wines must be based on what grape?
Zweigelt,
DAC Reserve must be minimum 60% Zweigelt
Neusierdlersee DAC/Reserve white wines must reach what level of ripeness?
DAC-Spatlese-Auslese
DAC Reserve- BA- TBA
What is the most planted grape of Leithaberg DAC?
Blaufrankisch
What is the grape for Mittleburgenland DAC?
Blaufrankisch,
DAC Reserve wines must be aged in oak and released a minimum of two years after harvest
What are the permitted grapes and styles for Rosalia DAC?
Blaufrankisch, Zweigelt,
dry rosé is permitted as well as of 2017, the first DAC to allow for rosé
What was the first DAC to approve rosé as a style?
Rosalia DAC 2017
What is the permitted grape for Eisenberg DAC?
Blaufrankisch
Describe the climactic conditions that create the styles of wine known to Styria
Styria is continental in climate with a distinct diurnal shift, and vineyards are planted in the foothills of the alps. These combined create ideal conditions for cultivation of white varieties
What are the three sub regions of Styria?
Vulkanland Steiermark
Südsteiermark
Weststeiermark
What is Morillon?
A synonym for Chardonnay in Styria
What is the maximum amount of RS allowed in Styria DAC wines?
4 g/L
Riesling and GV must be labeled dry
What is the major geographical influence of Vulkanland Steiermark?
The Pannonian Plains
What is known as the specialty grape of Vulkanland Steiermark?
Traminer
What is the primary growing area of the Südsteiermark and what are the geographical influences on the climate?
Saggau River Valley is the most planted area of the region. Alpine foothills and the Adriatic Sea influence the climate
What is the most popular grape of Südsteiermark?
Sauvignon Blanc
Describe Westersteiermark DAC wines:
Rosé wines called Schilcher made from Blauer Wildbacher
What are the mountains in Westersteiermark?
Koralpe Mountains
What are the main grapes used for Austrian Sekt?
Gruner Veltliner and Welschriesling
What is Hausersekt?
Grower Producer Sekt
(Made in House = Hauser)
Describe the three levels of Sekt quality within the PDO g.U:
a. Klassik: All colors, production methods, and dosage levels are permitted. Fruit must come from a single federal state and must be produced in Austria. Minimum time on the lee’s is 9 months with an additional 3 months in bottle before release.
b. Reserve: Traditional method only, must be produced in the same state where the fruit was grown. 18 months on the lees plus an additional 6 months in bottle. Must be Brut or drier.
c. Grosse Reserve: Traditional method only. Allows for the listing of a single vineyard and all fruit must come from a single municipality. 30 months on the lees with an additional 6 months in bottle. Red grapes are permitted for rosé styles only.
Grosse Reserve Sekt must spend how long on the lee’s?
30 months plus 6 months in bottle