Austria

Question 1

2016

Answer 1

Officially described as outstanding quality, characterized by delicate fruit-driven aromas and fresh acidity. Yields in Steiermark and Burgenland were reduced by frost and hail, in Steirermark, by up to 80%. Good quality, not long aging potential

Question 2

2015

Answer 2

Generally warm across the entire country, creating flavorful wines from all varieties. Reds and whites display strong typicality with fuller-than-average body

Question 3

2014

Answer 3

Excessive rainfall and generally poor weather made this the worst Austrian vintage in recent years

Question 4

2013

Answer 4

Very tricky weather conditions, from snow flooding to drought made 2013 a tough vintage. Gruner is particularly concentrated, while Riesling is acidic and austere. Reds juicy and supple but not as good as 2011 & 2012

Question 5

2012

Answer 5

May frost restricted yields, rest of the season was more favorable, quality is good. Gruner did better than Riesling but health was good across all varieties. Reds lower in alcohol and concentration than the much better 2011’s

Question 6

2011

Answer 6

Generous yields, hot weather caused high alcohol while acidity levels are low. Whites tend to be full bodied with good aging potential and some declaring this the best vintage thus far for Austrian red’s

Question 7

2010

Answer 7

A challenging vintage, with cold, wet spring and summer, yields way below national average. Produced bright, minerally, but lean Riesling and Gruner

Question 8

2009

Answer 8

Extreme temperature fluctuations and sporadic hail made for a tiny crop. Gruner more successful than Riesling with ripeness tending toward creaminess

Question 9

2008

Answer 9

Cool wet spring lead to warm, humid, pest-ridden summer. Best wines are modest in alcohol, extract-rich, and brightly acidic

Question 10

2007

Answer 10

Destructive hail in Kremstal and Traisental, as well as sunburn. Late-picking made for Gruner and Riesling with modest alcohol, palpably high mineral extract and ripe acidity. Excellent white wine vintage

Question 11

2006

Answer 11

Hot summer, cool and rainy August, dry September to November. Wines are generally high in alcohol and richly satisfying

Question 12

2005

Answer 12

Sustained warming with rain in August and September triggering botrytis. Warm and dry October/November led to generous, rich Riesling and Gruner

Question 13

2004

Answer 13

Very variable conditions. Payoff for patient, selective pickers was ripe, firm wines

Question 14

2003

Answer 14

Unremittingly hot, dry weather brought widespread vine shutdown (even in irrigated sites!!). Richly ripe Gruner and Riesling display silken textures. Lighter styles weren’t possible. Proceed with caution!

Question 15

2002

Answer 15

Record setting August deluges brought thousand year floods which caused jungle-like growth of vines that remained green until October. Riesling/Gruner feature more “cool” floral, herbal, and mineral elements

Question 16

2001

Answer 16

Temps were below and precipitation above until the warmest October in almost two centuries! Led to ripe but high-acid Riesling and Riesling-like Gruner, sometimes botrytis-tinged. Classic vintage for white wine

Question 17

2000

Answer 17

Conditions varied greatly. Accumulated sunshine and degree days set all-time records! Rapid-sugar accumulation or imperfect ripeness from heat stress. Best wines were either fruity or opulent. In decline…

Question 18

1999

Answer 18

Great conditions produced abundant quantities of rich but refined, animated Riesling and Gruner. Kamptal is best

Question 19

1998

Answer 19

Warm and wet October unleashed botrytis. Dry wines at worst are volatile and bitter. Amazingly long-lived nobly sweet bottlings secure the vintage’s legacy. Dry wines proceed with extreme caution

Question 20

1997

Answer 20

Great vintage, awe-inspiring autumn led to Riesling and Gruner of which the same can be said!