Austria Flashcards
What is the climate of Austria?
Cool continental, with short summers and very harsh winters.
What makes Austria’s climate unique compared to the rest of Europe?
Much less vintage variation than other European countries
Describe the characteristics of Grüner Veltiner
Capable of producing full-bodied, concentrated wines with high acid / citrus / stone fruit / white pepper / developing honey and toast.
What is the second-most widely planted white grape in Austria, and what is it primarily used for?
- Welschriesling
- sweet botrytised wines or neutral dry whites
Where do the best examples of Austrian Riesling come from?
Wachau, Kamptal, and Kremstal
What is the most widely-planted black grape in Austria?
Zweigelt
What are the four federal states for PDO wines in Austria?
- Niederosterreich
- Burgenland
- Steiermark
- Wien
Describe the Niederosterreich
- Largest wine region in Austria in terms of production and export
- Lies on the banks of the Danube River
What sub-region is most well-renowned for high quality dry wines in Lower Austria and why?
- Wachau
- Gruner or Riesling grown on steep, south-facing terraces close to the Danube, exposed to the sun, allowing for good ripeness
What is Burgenland best known for?
Top quality botrytised sweet wines and dry red wines
Why is Neusiedlersee important for sweet wine production?
Low-lying areas near the lake provide ideal conditions for vineyards which are exposed to autumn mists. These mists roll off the lake and provide the ideal conditions for botrytis to reliable form on the grapes.
Where do the best red wines in Burgenland come from?
Higher grounds away from the lake, in the hills to the south
