Austrian Wine Regions Flashcards
How many federal states are there in Austria? Which are the only to have significant viticultural production?
There are nine federal states, but only four are important for wine production.
Niederösterreich
Burgenland
Steiermark
Wien
What are the three regions within Niederösterreich?
Weinviertel in the north
The Danube river valley west of Wien comprising Kamptal, Kremstal, and Wachau
The Pannonian plain in the southeast
What plantings comprise the majority of Niederösterreich’s wine viticulture?
67% are white varieties. Gruner Veltliner accounts for nearly half of all plantings.
Where is Wachau situated in Niederösterreich?
At the western most part of the region along the Danube River. Although the region extends south of the river, most of its vineyards are on the northern side facing south.
Describe the typical vineyard site in Wachau.
Steep stone terraces facing south that ensure high sunlight interception. The stone soils radiate heat to the vine and the Danube reflects heat, ensuring ripe fruit. Sites are irrigated due to low rainfall.
What types of soils are present in Wachau? How does this affect cultivar selection?
The soils are varied. Gneiss and loess are important, as Riesling is generally planted on gneiss soils and Gruner Veltliner on Loess.
How much rainfall does Wachau experience annually?
460mm
Is noble rot a problem in Wachau?
In some vintages, yes. Some winemakers do not want to produce sweet wines.
What are the principle grapes of Wachau? What type of wines do they produce?
Riesling and Gruner Veltliner are the main grapes and are used to produce varietal wines. They are NEVER blended in Wachau.
What is the typical quality and pricing of Wachau wines?
Almost exclusively very good to outstanding with premium pricing.
True or False
Wachau is not a DAC
False. As of the 2020 vintage, all wines from Wachau are DAC classified.
Are there any DAC restrictions on residual sugar in Wachau DAC wines?
No, however Vinea Wachau requires that qualifying wines have a maximum of 6 g/L RS
What is the typical character of wines from Wachau DAC?
The character of the wine depends on the Vinea Wachau classification being produced. Steinfeder is generally lighter and less ripe than Smaragd.
What is the typical character of Steinfeder? Where in Austria does this wine come from?
Steinfeder is a dry, light bodied white wine from Wachau. It will show medium (+) to high acidity with citrus and stone fruits. It will always show no oak influence.
What is the typical character of Federspiel? Where in Austria does this wine come from?
Federspiel is a dry, medium bodied white wine from Wachau. It will show medium (+) to high acidity with citrus and stone fruits. It will always show no oak influence.
What is the typical character of Federspiel? Where in Austria does this wine come from?
Smaragd is a dry, full bodied white wine from Wachau. It will show medium (+) to high acidity with ripe tropical fruits. It will always show no oak influence.
What is the highest ABV that is typically found in Wachau white wines?
14%. Rieslings will rarely go over this but Gruner Velitliner may exceed it in hit vintages.
Are the wines of Wachau age worthy?
Yes, the most outstanding examples typically in the Smaragd category.
What types of wine producers dominate winemaking in Wachau?
Family owned estates, though Domäne Wachau is a large quality driven cooperative.
Where is Kremstal situated in Austria?
Around the town of Krems, between Wachau DAC and Kamptal DAC along the Krems River
How does the weather in Kremstal compare to Wachau?
Kremstal is warmer than Wachau as it is closer to the Pannonian Plains
Beyond the Syllabus
What is the Pannonian Basin? Where is it located?
The Pannonian Basin, aka Pannonian Plains, is a large area formed by an ancient sea comprising rolling hills and relatively flat land. The soil comprises sedimentary deposits left during the Pilocene era. Its general boundaries are Wien (Vienna), Austria in the northwest, Košice, Slovakia in the northeast, Satu Mare, Romania in the east, Novi Sad, Serbia in the south, and Zagreb, Croatia in the southwest.
Where in Austria can parts of the Pannonian Plains be found?
South of Wien and almost all of Burgenland
What grapes are cultivated in Kremstal?
Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, and some Weissburgunder
Zweigelt is also present due to the warmth offered by the Pannonian Plains
What grapes are approved for Kremstal DAC wines?
Gruner Veltliner
Riesling
Where in Kremstal are you most likely to find Zweigelt plantings?
In the southern part of the denomination, located south of the Danube river
What percentage of plantings in Kremstal are white varieties? Black varieties?
75% white, 25% black
How is red wine from Kremstal DAC labeled?
As Niederösterrech. The only permitted varieties to be labeled as Kremstal DAC are Gruner Veltliner and Riesling.
What is the style of Kremstal DAC wines?
Still, dry, and white made from Gruner Veltliner or Riesling with medium (+) to high acidity. They can be medium to full bodied depending on the site.
What is the quality and pricing of Kremstal DAC wines?
Good to outstanding
Mid to premium
What is the typical character of Niederösterreich red wines from Kremstal?
Dry Medium (+) to high acidity Medium tannins Medium body Aromas of red and black fruit
Are the red wines of Kremstal typically oaked?
These wines have minimal oak influence and are built in a fruity, easy drinking style
What is the quality and pricing of Niederösterreich red wines from Kremstal?
Very good
Mid priced
Where is Kamptal situated?
Northeast of Kremstal along the border of Weinviertel and Wien. It surrounds the town of Langenlois and the Kamp river runs north through it.
What varieties are planted in Kamptal?
Grüner Veltliner comprises 50% of plantings.
Zweigelt is the second most planted variety with Riesling in third. Blauburgunder (P. Noir) is seeing increased plantings.
What varieties are permitted in Kamptal DAC?
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling
How must the Zweigelt wines of Kamptal be labelled?
Niederösterreich
What climatic influences can be found in Kamptal?
Warm breezes from the Pannonian Plains to the southeast
Cooling air from the Bohemian Massif to the north
What is the effect of the various climatic influences on Kamptal DAC?
Due to the warm Pannonian air and the cool air from the Bohemian Massif, there is a large diurnal range that ensures high acidity and ripeness.
Black varieties are also able to be planted due to the Pannonian influence.
What is the typical quality and pricing of Kamptal DAC wines?
Very good to outstanding
Premium
What is the typical style and quality of Niederösterreich red wines from Kamptal?
Easy drinking and fruity of good quality
Some producers are using large oak casks for 12 months of maturation before bottling. These wines are typically more complex, of very good quality, and higher priced.
Where is Wagram situated?
On the north and south sides of the Danube, south of Wagram and Weinviertel and northeast of Wien.
What is the geology and climate of Wagram?
Gentle rolling hills with loess soils and a warming influence from the nearby Pannonian plains.
What grapes are cultivated in Wagram? Why?
Grüner Veltliner is dominant as it benefits from the loess soils.
Roter Veltliner is also widely planted