Austrian Wine Laws and Business

Question 1

What is the name of the qualifying system for Austrian wine?

Answer 1

Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC)

Question 2

What are the quality levels defined by the DAC?

Answer 2

Tafelwein (wine without geographic indication)

Landwein (Protected Geographic Indication)

Qualitätswein (Protected Denomination of Origin)

Question 3

Compared to other Austrian wines, what extra measures must Austrian Qualitätswein undergo before release?

Answer 3

It must undergo a government inspection to ensure the wine meets minimum quality standards. The government inspection number must be on the label.

Question 4

What percentage of Austrian wine production is Qualitätswein (including Prädikatswein)?

Answer 4

88%

Question 5

What percentage of Austrian wine production is Tafelwein and Landwein?

Answer 5

12%

Question 6

What is the AWMB official seal used to indicate?

Answer 6

Qualitätswein

Question 7

What are additional terms that can be found on Austrian Qualitätswein labels? What do they indicate?

Answer 7

Klassik - vintage wines showing varietal character

Reserve - dry wines with a minimum 13% ABV that are typically harvested and released later than standard wines

Question 8

How are Prädikat levels defined in Austria? Are there any differences to the German system?

Answer 8

Like Germany, Prädikat levels are defined by must weight.

There is no Kabinett in Austrian Prädikastwein. The categories in Austria are Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein, and Trockenbeerenauslese. TBA from Rust can be called Ausbruch, often labeled Ruster Ausbruch.

Question 9

What was the purpose of the 2002 amendment to the DAC? How is it enforced?

Answer 9

To ensure the regional typicity of wines produced in specific regions. Only approved varieties may be used in specific DAC regions. The wines are tasted by a panel to ensure typicity.

Question 10

How many DAC regions are there in Austria?

Answer 10

13

Question 11

True or False

Unlike the French AOC and Italian DOCG, the Austrian DAC is an indicator of quality

Answer 11

False. Like the others, it is more indicative of regional typicity than quality.

Question 12

What is the quality hierarchy within the Austrian DAC? How does this compare to other European countries?

Answer 12

The system is similar to Burgundy and German wine hierarchies. It includes regional (Gebietswein), Village (Ortswein), and vineyard (Riedenwein).

Qualification of the wine into any category of the DAC hierarchy requires adherence to permitted grape varieties, submission to a quality assurance tasting, and possible vinification rules such as limits on enrichment.

Question 13

What is the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter?

Answer 13

A group of producers based in Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram, Wien, and Carnuntum who have been classifying vineyards based on soil type and climate since 1992.

Question 14

Why is the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter important to Austrian wine law?

Answer 14

Like the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter, the ÖTW has its own approval methods and can have its logo “1 ÖTW” put on the bottle of its adhering members.

Question 15

What is the Vinea Wachau?

Answer 15

A group of quality focused producers in Wachau that has created three classifications of wine and distinguished specific vineyard sites in the region.

Question 16

What are the three classification levels defined by Vinea Wachau?

Answer 16

Steinfeder - Fruity, dry, 11.5% max ABV

Federspiel - More concentrated, dry, 11.5-12.5% ABV

Smaragd - Highly concentrated, dry, ripe fruit aromas, 12% min ABV

Question 17

Is Austrian wine production consolidated or fragmented?

Answer 17

Highly fragmented. The top producer accounted for 5% of production with the next six accounting for 1% each.

Question 18

What percentage of Austrian wine is sold domestically? What is the most important domestic outlet?

Answer 18

50% with Heurigen playing an important role.

Question 19

What is a Heurigen?

Answer 19

A small inn or tavern that serves simple food and local wine, many of which include outdoor spaces for eating and drinking. They are important venues for small, local vineyard owners.

Heurige means “this year’s”

Question 20

How does Austrian wine compete against international wines in the domestic market?

Answer 20

It performs well on its own. Consumers often pay more for Austrian wine than for international wines if provided the opportunity.

Question 21

How much of Austria’s wine is exported? What are the most important markets?

Answer 21

20% is exported. Germany is the most significant importer, comprising 67% by volume and 50% by value.

Switzerland and USA are next by volume.

Question 22

What is the promotional body for Austrian wine?

Answer 22

The Austrian Wine Marketing Board, which not only supports producers but also seeks to maintain Austrian wine quality.