Austria: Viti/Vini

Question 1

What are the two major soil types found in Austria?

Answer 1

Thin soils over rock (granite, gneiss)
Richer soils (loess)

Question 2

What varieties are planted on the thin soils vs loess/clay in Austria?

Answer 2

Thin soils: Riesling; needs less water and more drainage

Loess/clay: Grüner Veltliner; needs more water

Question 3

What is the Lenz Moser system, and when was it popular in Austria?

Answer 3

Vines are cordon trained higher off the ground, and rows planted farther apart to avoid shading; 1980s for high volume production
Largely replaced by VSP for better quality fruit

Question 4

Where will you most likely find steep stone terraces in Austria?

Answer 4

Vyds around the Danube: Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal

Question 5

What is a major reason that so many vineyards in Austria are certified organic or biodynamic?

Answer 5

Low disease pressure from moderate precipitation levels

Question 6

What is the top white and red grape planted in Austria?

Answer 6

Grüner Veltliner (30%)

Zweigelt (14%)

Question 7

Where is welschriesling most planted in Austria?

Answer 7

Steiermark (neutral dry white wine, Sekt)

Neusiedlersee (sweet wine production)

Question 8

What characteristics of Zweigelt make it easy to grow throughout all of Austria?

Answer 8

Easy to ripen
Not susceptible to frost
Not susceptible to rot

Question 9

What grape is well-known and produces high quality in Leithaberg and Mittelburgenland?

Answer 9

Blaufränkisch