Austria 2 Flashcards
What historical event allowed Austrian winemaking to flourish?
The repeal of the ban on provincial viticulture by Probus during the Roman era.
Who influenced the development of vines in Austria?
Charlemagne and the Cistercian monks.
What major trade center for wine developed by the 13th century?
The city of Vienna.
What wine type was first recorded in Austria in 1526?
Trockenbeerenauslese.
What caused a decline in Austrian wine production by the 17th century?
War and taxes.
What were the American fungal diseases that challenged Austrian vines?
- Oidium
- Peronospora
What significant development in viticulture occurred in Austria in the 1920s?
The development of the Hochkultur system by Dr. Lenz Moser.
What scandal in 1985 affected the quality of Austrian wines?
The antifreeze scandal involving diethylene glycol.
What are the three levels of quality defined by Austrian wine law?
- Wein
- Landwein
- Qualitätswein
What percentage of Austria’s total wine production is Qualitätswein?
About 80%.
What is the minimum alcohol content required for Qualitätswein?
5%.
What are the categories under Qualitätswein?
- Prädikatswein
- Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC)
What is the primary grape variety cultivated in Austria?
Grüner Veltliner.
What is the largest winegrowing region in Austria?
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria).
Which subzone of Niederösterreich is known for producing fresher, lighter wines?
Weinviertel.
What is the unique climate characteristic of Niederösterreich?
Hot, dry summers and severe winters.
What are the eight subzones of Niederösterreich?
- Weinviertel
- Carnuntum
- Traisental
- Wagram
- Kremstal
- Kamptal
- Wachau
- Thermenregion
What is the minimum alcohol requirement for DAC wines from Weinviertel?
12%.
What style of wines does Wachau focus on?
Extracted, ageworthy white wines.
What is the minimum must weight for Steinfeder wines in Wachau?
15° KMW.
What is the minimum must weight for Federspiel wines in Wachau?
17° KMW.
What is the top category of Sekt in Austria?
Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve.
What must Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve wines undergo?
A minimum of 36 months on the lees.
What does the acronym DAC stand for?
Districtus Austriae Controllatus.
What is the role of the Austrian Sekt Committee?
To bring international attention to high-quality Sekt.
What is a significant feature of the Wachau vineyards?
Terraced slopes along the Danube.
What is the purpose of the red and white seal on Sekt bottles?
To indicate Protected Designation of Origin.
What grape varieties are allowed in the Kamptal DAC?
- Grüner Veltliner
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
- Weissburgunder
- Pinot Gris
What type of wine is produced in the region of Rust?
Ausbruch, a sweet specialty.
True or False: The majority of Austrian wines are produced in the western regions of the country.
False.
What is the characteristic flavor profile of Grüner Veltliner from Weinviertel?
Distinct peppery note.
What does the term ‘Ried’ signify in Austrian wine labeling?
A top site.
What are the three stylistic categories set by the Vinea Wachau?
Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd
These categories were established to classify the wines based on their characteristics.
What is the minimum must weight for Steinfeder wines?
15° KMW
Steinfeder wines are characterized as the lightest style.
What is the maximum alcohol content for Steinfeder wines?
11.5%
This reflects the light nature of Steinfeder wines.
What does Federspiel refer to in terms of wine style?
A medieval falconer’s lure
Federspiel wines have a minimum must weight of 17° KMW.
What is the alcohol range for Federspiel wines?
11.5 to 12.5%
Federspiel wines are a step up from Steinfeder in terms of weight and complexity.
What does Smaragd mean and what are its characteristics?
Emerald lizard; minimum alcohol of 12.5% and minimum must weight of 18.2° KMW
Smaragd wines must be dry and can reach high alcohol levels.
What is the main grape variety in the Wagram region?
Grüner Veltliner
Wagram was awarded DAC status in 2022.
What unique grape is a specialty of Wagram?
Roter Veltliner
This grape is unrelated to Grüner Veltliner and is produced as a white wine.
What are the two main regions located south of Vienna?
Carnuntum, Thermenregion
Both regions have distinct climates and grape varieties.
What grape varieties are cultivated in Thermenregion?
Rotgipfler, Zierfandler
These rare white grapes can be produced varietally or as blends.
What is the primary focus of wine production in Carnuntum?
Red wines, particularly Zweigelt
Gemischter Satz, traditional field blends, are also popular in Carnuntum.
What wine style is produced in Mittelburgenland DAC?
Red wines from Blaufränkisch
These wines may be sold from August 1 in the year following the harvest.
What is the minimum alcohol content for Reserve wines in Mittelburgenland?
13%
Reserve wines undergo additional aging compared to standard wines.
What is the capital of Burgenland?
Eisenstadt
Eisenstadt is located within the Leithaberg DAC.
What is the winemaking significance of Rust?
Famous for Ausbruch, a traditional sweet wine
Ausbruch production involves harvesting grapes at a minimum 30° KMW.
What are the two DACs formed in Burgenland for sweet white wines?
Ruster Ausbruch DAC, Neusiedlersee DAC
DAC status for sweet wines was granted in 2020.
What are the three subregions of Styria?
Südsteiermark, Weststeiermark, Vulkanland Steiermark
Styria contains approximately 9% of Austria’s vineyards.
What is the most cultivated grape variety in Styria?
Sauvignon Blanc
This grape thrives particularly well in the Südsteiermark region.
What is the System of Origin Steiermark?
A three-tiered quality standard pyramid
It categorizes wines into Regional Wine, Ortswein, and Reidenwein.
What is the unique wine style promoted by Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC?
A blend of at least 3 varieties
This style reflects the traditional winemaking practices of Vienna.
What is Sturm in the context of Viennese winemaking?
A half-fermented, sparkling grape juice
Sturm is typically consumed during harvest-time meals.
