Austria COPY COPY Flashcards
What is the climate in Austria? How is it characterised?
Cool Continental Short Summers and harsh Winters. High diurnal range, with long Autumn ripening
What is the climate consideration in Austria’s Northerly regions?
Cooling northerly winds
What is the climate consideration growing close to the Hungarian border?
Pannonian plains and therefore warmer, with some influence with easterly winds from Adriatic
What are the 3 main white grapes grown in Austria?
White grapes account for ___% of plantings in Austria.
- Gruner Veltliner - 1/3 of total plantings in Austria
- Welschriesling
- Riesling
- 67%
What are the 3 main black grapes grown in Austria?
- Zweigelt
- Blaufrankisch
- Blauer Portugieser
Within Austria wine law, what is a ‘DAC’ and what does it stand for?
What is their focus / goal?
Districtus Austriae Controllatus
- A newer indication of origin withing the Qualitatswein system.
- Dry wines are the focus.
- Designed to align Austrian regions with wine profiles in the mind of the consumer, in the tradition of the French and Italian systems.
What 3 things must growers agree on before applying for DAC?
Grape variety
Set of regulations
Style of the wine
What is Ausbruch and when did it originate?
Which city / region is a specialty of?
What wine is it similar to in terms of production?
What varietals are often used, both traditional (1) and modern (7)?
- A sweet Austrian wine that dates back to the 17th Century.
- Rust in Burgenland
- Similar to Tokaji, made from botrytis-affected grapes.
- Traditional: Furmint
Modern: Chardonnay, Muskateller, Pinot Blanc, Neuburger, Welschriesling, Traminer and Pinot Gris.
What is ‘Strohwein’ or ‘Schilfwein’?
A dried grape wine of at least Beerenauslese ripeness. Grapes are dried on straw mats over the winter.
What is PGI wine called in Austria?
Landwein
Which part of Austria are wine-growing areas located?
What is located in Austria’s other section?
To the East
To the West is the Alps
Which 2 federal states account for the majority of wine production?
Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) Burgenland
Name the sub region of Niederosterreich renowned for high quality dry wines made from either Gruner Veltliner or Riesling
Wachau
Where are most of the vineyards located in Niederosterreich?
On the banks of the Danube and further North towards the Slovak border
Name the sub region in Niederosterreich which is Austria’s largest vine growing area and the first Austrian DAC
Weinviertel DAC
What is the only grape variety permitted in Weinviertal DAC?
Gruner Veltliner
If you were asked for an upmarket Gruner Veltliner, which prestigious sub region would you recommend?
Wachau, the most renowned for high quality dry wines.
What are the 2 styles of wine made in Weinviertal DAC and how do they differ?
Klassik : Light, fresh, fruity; min. 12%abv, must be approved by a tasting panel and show a distinct peppery note, with no signs of botrytis/wood.
Reserve: Fuller-bodied, 13% min abv, may show notes of botrytis/wood.
What is the Federal State of Burgenland renowned for?
Top quality sweet wines and red wines
What is the name of the vast shallow lake in the North of Burgenland that is key for sweet wine production?
Neusiedlersee
Why is the lake Neusiedlersee so important to sweet wine production?
Because the vineyards are located on the low lying ground near the lake to benefit from the Autumn mists that come from the lake and wetland regions on its margins. These are ideal conditions for botrytis.
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian Gruner Veltliner?
When young? When aged?
Capable of producing full-bodied, concentrated wines with naturally high acidity.
Young - Flavours of citrus and stone fruits sometimes with hints of white pepper
Aged - The wine develops layers of honey and toast
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian Riesling?
Dry and medium to full bodied with ripe, peachy, primary fruit
Name one area producing good Austrian Riesling
Wachau
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian Welschriesling?
Fresh and simple with citrus and green apple flavours and high acidity but renowned for making botrytis sweet wines
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian Zweigelt?
Deeply coloured red with soft tannins and bramble fruit
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian Blaufrankisch?
Reds with medium tannins, high acidity and a peppery, sour cherry flavour
What is the ‘typical’ character of Austrian St. Laurent?
Reds similar in character to Pinot Noir. Often oak aged.
List the 4 Natural factors of wine
Grapes
Climate
Weather
Soil / Aspect
Which 2 regions lie just north of Wachau?
Kamptal DAC and Kremstal DAC
What are the 4 federal states for PDO wines?
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
Burgenland
Steiermark (Styria)
Wien (Vienna)
What are the 2 additional levels to the Prädikat system in Austria?
Ausbruch
Strohwein / Schilfwein
Name the important river (and its 3 tributaries) that flows through Austria’s main wine-growing regions:
Danube River
Krems, Kamp and Traisen Rivers
What are the 3 categories of Wachau dry wine production and what are they based on?
Based on ripeness of grapes at harvest.
Steinfeder: 11.5% max alc. Lightest style, named for a local grass.
Federspiel: 11.5-12.5% alc. Named for a local falcon.
Smaragd: 12.5% min. alc. Named for an emerald green lizard that suns itself in the vineyards.
2 Austrian synonyms for Chardonnay are:
- Morillon
- Feinburger
Which 4 countries, from north to south, share a border with Austria’s wine-making regions?
- Czech Republic.
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Slovenia
Which Italian region was part of Austria until the end of World War I and continues to use German as a second language today?
Alto-Adige
What event led to the fundamental reorganization of the Austrian wine industry in the 1980s?
The “antifreeze” scandal, where winemakers were adding the chemical Diethylene glycol to their wines in order to give it more texture.
What scale is used to measure must weight In Austria?
KMW, Klosterneuburger Mostwaage Scale
Kamptal DAC is located in which region?
Which 2 varietals account for over 90% of wine production?
- Niederosterreich
- Riesling / Gruner Veltliner
Eisenberg DAC is located in which region?
What is the permitted varietal here?
- Burgenland
- Blaufrankisch
The DAC level of classification is on par with which level of classification in France?
AOP
Which country to the east of Austria is linked with it by history, climate, and common grape varieties?
Hungary
Which geographical feature separates Austria and Germany?
The Alps
Order the following regions from coolest to warmest
(1 = coolest, 3 = warmest).
A. Kamptal
B. Weinviertel
C. Mittelburgenland
Weinviertal = 1
Kamptal = 2
Mittelburgenland = 3
Eisenberg, Neusiedlersee, and Leithaberg are regions found in which Weinbaugebiet?
Burgenland
Match the sub-region to its larger Weinbaugebiet.
A. Südsteiermark
B. Neusiedlersee
C. Kremstal
A. Styria
B. Burgenland
C. Niederosterreich
Blauburgunder is a synonym for which grape?
Pinot Noir
Thermenregion is located within which weinbaugebiete?
Which 2 rare white grapes are cultivated here?
It feels the full force of the ____ Summer.
- Niederosterreich
- Rotgipfler and Zierfandler.
- Pannonian
Sudsteiermark DAC is located within which weinbaugebiete?
Which grape variety is their specialty?
- Steiermark (Styria)
- Sauvignon Blanc
What are the 3 DACs of Styria / Steiermark?
- Sudsteiermark DAC
- Weststeiermark DAC
- Vulkanland Steiermark DAC
What does the Austrian term “Hauersekt”, which corresponds to the German “Winzersekt”, indicate when applied to a wine label?
This indicates the wine is made by the grape grower, much like Récoltant Manipulant.
What are the 3 categories of Austrian Sekt w/ Protected Designation of Origin?
Klassik
Reserve
Grosse Reserve
What are the different requirements for Austrian Sekt w/PDO (Klassik, Reserve, Grosse Reserve)?
Klassik: Grapes come from one of Austria’s federal states; min. 9 months on lees; Tank, transfer, and traditional method allowed, and all dosage levels/styles and colors may be produced.
Reserve: Traditional method only; Grapes must be grown and vinified in one of Austria’s federal states; min. 18 months on the lees; only Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature.
Grosse Reserve: grapes must come from a single wine village; hand-harvesting is required; min. 30 months on the lees; may not be released until three years after harvest; wines must be Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature.
Which weinbaugebiete is also known as “Lower Austria”?
Niederosterreich
The majority of wine in Austria is produced under the DAC designation.
True or False?
False
Riesling and Welschriesling are varieties that are genetically related to each other.
True or False?
False
What is the minimum alcohol by volume required for Kamptal Reserve Riesling?
13%
What is the only DAC in Burgenland that allows white wine?
Leithaberg DAC
Alois Kracher is a producer in what village / DAC / region?
- Illmitz / Neusiderslee / Burgenland
Weinland, Steierland and Bergland are geographic designations for what level of Austrian wine classification?
Landwein
Langenlois, Zobing, and Kammern are villages in what DAC of which region?
-Kamptal / Niederosterreich
In what village / sub-region / region is the Achleiten vineyard located?
Weissenkirchen / Wachau / Niederosterreich
What famous trio of producers make wine from the Achleiten vineyard in Wachau?
FX Pichler, Prager, and Emmerich Knoll
What are the minimum KMW levels Steinfeder / Federspiel / Smaragd Rieslings may be picked at?
Steinfeder: 15o
Federspiel: 17o
Smaragd: 19o
Identify the correct village / sub-region / region / grape varietal most likely found at the following vineyards:
A. Renner
B. Gaisberg
C. Kranachberg
A. Renner: Kammern / Kamptal DAC / Niederosterreich / Gruner Veltliner
B. Gaisberg: Kammern / Kamptal DAC / Niederosterreich / Riesling
C. Kranachberg: Gamlitz / Sudsteiermark DAC / Steiermark / Sauvignon Blanc
Which Burgenland DAC does NOT produce Blaufränkisch-based red wines?
Neusiedlersee DAC
Lake Neusiedlersee is bordered by which two European countries?
Austria / Hungary
Near what body of water would you find the village of Rust?
Lake Neusiedlersee
What are the 5 “No’s” of the Codex Wachau?
- NO Chaptalization
- NO Concentration (i.e. reverse-osmosis, cryoextraction.)
- NO barriques/oak chips
- NO Fractionation (removal of alcohol via spinning cones.)
- NO Manipulation of nature (pesticides, mechanical harvesting, etc…)
Ausbruch has to be harvested at what minimum ripeness level?
30o
Lamm is an Austrian Erste Lage vineyard in which village/DAC/region/ specializing in what grape variety?
-Kammern / Kamptal DAC / Niederosterreich / Gruner Veltliner
Schloss Gobelsburg, Bründlmayer, and Hirsch are producers in what region?
Kamptal DAC
Nigl, Salomon, and Christoph Hoch are producers in what region?
Kremstal DAC
What does the word “Ried” indicate on an Austrian wine label?
A top site / vineyard.
1 KMW is equivalent to approximately how many degrees Öchsle?
5
In Austria, which grape is likely to undergo carbonic maceration?
Zweigelt
Which countries border the Austrian region of Niederösterreich?
Czech Republic to the North.
Slovakia to the East.
Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC is located in which weinbaugebiete?
Wines must be made of at least ___ varieties, and no single variety may be more than ___ % of the total blend.
- Wien
- at least 3 varieties, 50%
Schilcher is a specialty of which DAC / weinbaugebiete?
What type of wine is it, and what grape is used?
- Weststeiermark / Steiermark
- Racy rosés from the Blauer Wildbacher grape.
Where is the Heiligenstein vineyard located (village / DAC / sub-region / grape variety?)
-Zöbing / Kamptal DAC / Niederosterreich / Riesling
Ausbruch has to be harvested at what minimum ripeness level?
30o KMW
Weingut Fritz Hirtzberger is a producer in which village / DAC / region?
-Spitz / Wachau / Niederosterreich.
Traisental DAC is located in which sub-region / specializes in which grapes?
Niederosterreich / Gruner Veltliner and Riesling.
Riesling in Austria, details?
Riesling:
o 4 % of all plantings in Austria
o Prized variety
o Mainly found in Niederosterreich, where it’s the 2nd most planted variety
o Planted in warmest sites, on thin soils, as less water is needed
o Wines
o Almost always dry; Full body; Medium Alcohol;
o ripe stone fruit: Some tropical ; High Acidity
o Allowing many to improve in bottle over 10-20 years becoming nutty, honeyed with petrol notes
o Very Good to Outstanding: Premium prices
Gruner Veltliner? As many details.
Gruner Veltliner: (~1/3rd of Plantings)
o 31% of plantings - signature variety
o Best in Niederosterrich & Wachau
o Late ripening
o Dry, full bodied wines w vegetal aromas, white pepper & grapefruit
o Does not thrive in dry soils: better suited to clay, Loess , which retain higher levels of water
o Vigorous on fertile soils; canopy management essential in producing ripe grapes
o Thick skinned: if left in contact with juice for long, can contribute a phenolic, bitter taste
o Skins contain chemical compound that gives a characteristic peppery aroma
o Wines:
o Medium( +) to high Acidity ;Typically not Oaked
o Simple wines with Citrus, Green fruit for early drinking that’s Acceptable to Good ; Inexpensive
o Premium wines with pronounced citrus, Peach; Greater complexity of aroma/flavour; can be aged : Very good to Outstanding; Premium
Welschriesling
Welschriesling:
o 2nd most planted white variety – not related to Riesling….
o High Acidity and Neutral aromatics
o Mainly found in Steiermark
o Fresh, Neutral, Unoaked, dry wines; Acceptable to Good; Inexpensive
o Plantings are in decline due to decreased consumption of variety
o Large plantings in Burgenland, near humid Neusiedlersee
o Thin skins can be affected by noble rot; used or sweet wine; labelled as Beerenauslese or Trockenbeerenauslese
o These wines have high Acidity; Pronounced tropical fruit, dried fruit, ability to develop in bottle
o Very Good to Outstanding: Premium
o Because of its High Acidity & Neutral aromas, used in Sekt
Blaufrankisch is Austria’s second most planted black grape, what other details do you know?
Blaufrankisch:
o Early Budding: Vulnerable to Spring frosts
o Late Ripening: Needs warm climate; found in Burgenland
o Thick Skinned: not prone to rot; imp. in humid Neusiedlersee
o High yields so will struggle to ripen providing green aromas/flavours
o Low yields - most age worthy & intense reds
o Generally Medium (+) to High Tannins; High Acidity; Deep colour; Black fruit
o Wine styles
o Simple, fruity, Little or No Oak; Good quality, mid priced
o Premium: pronounced Black fruit; Spicy oak; High Tannins; Very good to Outstanding; Premium pricing
o Main area – Burgenland
o Leithaberg DAC & Mittlelburgenland DAC areas
o Plus shores of the Neusiedlersee
Under EU law what are the terms used for Austrian wine?
o Tafelwein : Wine without GI
o Landwein: Wine with Protected GI
o Qualtatswein: Wine with Protected Designation of Origin;
- Has to undergo govt inspection ensuring min quality standards; Inspection number must be stated on label
what percentage of Austrian wine falls under these two designations; Tafewein and Landwein?
12% of all Austrian wine production
White winemaking in Austria - describe the aim and techniques used to achieve this.
White Wines:
- Aim is to preserve primary fruit & varietal characteristics
- Short Skin contact; Ferment in neutral vessel
- Temp control common to preserve delicate, volatile aromas
- Gruner & Riesling typically do not go through MLF (maintaining varietal cha & freshness & difficulty in achieving due to low PH of wines)
- Stored in old Wood or SS for fresh
- Many will leave wine on fine Lees for 6 mths or longer for greater texture
- Most fermented to dryness
Red winemaking - describe the techniques employed
Red Wines:
- Fermented in large Open top vessels; Punch downs Or pump overs
- Some use Ambient yeasts
- Stored in SS or Matured in Old Oak vessels: 300-600 L or larger, to soften tannins without new oak flavours
- Few Premium aged in New oak
- Some use Acacia Vats for maturation of White & Red, as it gives small amt of Oxygenation without Vanilla Ch of Oak
Niederosterreich - largest federal state for wine production - describe it
Niederósterreich
- Largest region
- Whites = 66% with ~half of total plantings - Grüner Veltliner
- 3 key sub-regions:
a) Weinviertel in North
b) Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental and Wagram along the Danube
c) warmer Pannonian Plain in South East
Weinviertel DAC - how much Gruner Veltliner is grown as a percentage ?
50%
Weinviertel DAC rules?
-
The DAC rules
- Gruner Veltliner only
- Reserve wines
- min 13%ABV;
- some Oak;
- and /or some botrytis
- wines still dry
Neusiedlersee DAC is for what type of wine? and then describe the two categories under this
- Dry red wines
- Zweigelt or blends of Zweigelt and Blaufrankisch
- DAC is red wines only
-
DAC Klassik wines
- 100% Zweigelt
- Red Cherry
- Little or no Oak
- Medium Acidity
- Medium to Full Body
- Good to Very Good quality and Mid-priced
-
DAC Reserve wines
- Min 60 % Zweigelt;
- can blend with Blaufrankisch, PN or Sankt Laurent
- Aged in Oak;
- Good to Very Good quality; Mid to Premium priced
Wine sales in Austria are different to most markets - describe the two key channels.
-
Wines sales
- Hospitality sector
- 50% of total sales in value
- “Heurigen” (heurige – means ‘This years”)
- plays major part in domestic sales
- small informal inns and taverns – simple food and local wine
- small vineyard owners sell to Heurigen
- Retail sector
- 2/3rds of sales in volume terms
- Austrian wines are sold at higher prices per bottle than imports
- Hospitality sector
Recently Steiermark had a DAC put in place, with three sub regional DACs, name them and describe what the DAC perscribes for each
-
Vulkanland Steiermark DAC
- Mainly white grapes w large quantities of Welschriesling & some fine Gewürz from volcanic soils
-
Súdsteiermark DAC
- Scenic district making excellent Chardonnay and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc along w Welschriesling
-
Weststeiermark DAC
- Mainly makes an acidic darkish rosé (Schilcher) from the Blauer Wildbacher grape.
