Austria Flashcards
What is Austria’s general climate?
Continental – hot summers and cold winters.
How does continental climate benefit vines?
Promotes sugar development in summer, allows vine rest in winter, preserves acidity.
What is the Pannonian effect?
Warm, dry air mass from Hungary that ripens grapes and extends the growing season.
How does the Pannonian effect influence Burgenland?
Warmer temps, lower humidity = ripe grapes and favorable conditions for Botrytis.
What is the role of the Danube River?
Moderates temperature, extends growing season, aids even ripening and air circulation.
How does diurnal shift affect grapes?
Maintains acidity by cooling down vines at night.
What are the three categories of Austrian wine law?
Wein, Landwein, Qualitätswein.
What is ‘Wein’ in Austria?
Basic table wine from anywhere in Austria with minimal restrictions.
What does Landwein (PGI) mean?
Regional wine from Weinland, Steirerland, or Bergland.
What is Qualitätswein (QbA)?
Quality wine from a specific region with stricter regulations.
What does DAC stand for?
Districtus Austriae Controllatus – denotes regional typicity.
Are all DAC wines Qualitätswein?
Yes, but not all Qualitätswein are DAC.
Can Kabinett wines be chaptalized?
Yes, in Austria.
Can Prädikatswein be chaptalized?
No – chaptalization is prohibited.
What grape is the focus of Weinviertel DAC?
Grüner Veltliner.
Describe the style of Weinviertel DAC wines.
Dry, light to medium-bodied, peppery, citrusy, crisp.
What grapes are allowed in Kamptal DAC?
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
What’s the style of Kamptal DAC Riesling?
Dry, elegant, mineral, peach, citrus.
How does Kremstal DAC differ from Kamptal?
Warmer, rounder wines with richer body.
Can DAC Reserve wines see oak?
Yes, and they have higher alcohol and structure.
Where are most of Austria’s vineyards located?
In the east, away from the Alps.
What is Austria’s largest wine region?
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria).
What grapes dominate Wachau?
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
Describe Wachau’s wine style.
High acidity, mineral-driven, grown on steep, rocky terraces.
What are the Wachau ripeness classifications?
Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd.
What region is known for sweet wine and Zweigelt?
Burgenland.
What is Neusiedlersee DAC known for?
Dry red wines.
Botrytised sweet wines are also common but they do not fall under the DAC, they fall under Pradikatswein.
Which region borders the Pannonian Plain?
Burgenland.
What is the key climate feature of Styria?
Cooler, alpine-influenced, ideal for aromatic whites.
Austria’s most planted white grape?
Grüner Veltliner.
Austria’s most planted red grape?
Zweigelt.
Describe Grüner Veltliner’s flavor profile.
White pepper, citrus, green apple, herbs.
What is Zweigelt a cross of?
Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.
Is Austrian white wine oaked?
Generally no – usually fermented and aged in stainless steel.
What wine styles dominate Austria?
Bone dry or intensely sweet.
What is Ausbruch?
Sweet botrytised wine made by blending high-sugar grapes with less concentrated must.
Where is Ausbruch primarily made?
Ruster Ausbruch DAC in Burgenland.
What is Strohwein?
Sweet wine from grapes dried on straw mats for at least 3 months.
Which grapes are used in Strohwein?
Zweigelt, Grüner Veltliner, Muskateller.
What classification do Ausbruch and Strohwein fall under?
Prädikatswein.
