Ch 12 Austria

Question 1

What wine(s) is Austria known for?

Answer 1

High acid, dry white wines
Made from Grüner Veltliner and Riesling
It also makes sweet white wines
Recently a # of reds, many based on local grape varieties such as Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch are also becoming better known

Question 2

Discuss AUT’s wine history to the early 1900s

Answer 2

Somewhat of a newcomer on the world stage
However has been making wine since the Bronze Age
Romans & Magyars influenced production
Cistercian monks in 10-12th centuries had most impact. Brought Burgundian wine culture + helped establish the terraced hills seen in Wachau (and neighbor appellations)
15th & 16th Cen. Saw large expansion (150k ha = 3x today’s)
However, invasion by Turkey, high wine tax, increased beer popularity = vineyard area decline
Late 1800s phylloxera, powdery & downy mildew also = loss
Early 1900s, 1st AUT wine laws, for ex: forbidding hybrids

Question 3

Describe AUT’s wine history from the mid-1970’s

Answer 3

In mid-70’s and ‘80s, a high proportion of wine was being exported, particularly from Burgenland
In order to compete on price, a small # of large volume producers started adding diethylene glycol, an antifreeze agent, to their wines to increase volumes and simulate sweetness
Discovered in 1985 —> exports dropped from ~30MM L to under 5MM L in 1986
AUT Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) was established in 1986 to help change int’l image
AUT now exports 53MM L and value has more than tripled since 1985, suggesting consumers are willing to pay a premium for AUT wine

Question 4

Describe AUT’s climate

Answer 4

Most of W AUT is mountainous and not suited for commercial grape growing
More favorable conditions can be found as the Alps flatten towards the Pannonia plain and along the Danube
Overall, cool continental climate
Rainfall varies from 450mm (Weinviertel) to 850mm (Steiermark)
A # of influences can affect local climate
In N (such as Weinfiertel) influenced by cool northerly winds
In S (Steiermark) has more Adriatic influence = warmer
In E (Burgenland, near Hungary) influenced by warmer Pannonia climate
In W, such as vineyards on the Danube, may experience cooler breezes from the Alps
Spring frosts can be an issue
Steiermark can see hail
Winter freeze is rarely an issue, however damage can occur in particularly cold winters
Low rainfall years = water stress in some regions, esp those w/ free-draining soils

Question 5

Describe AUT’s soil

Answer 5

Generally 2 soil types:
Thin soils over rock (granite, or gneiss, crystalline bedrock material known locally as Urgestein)
Richer soils such as Loess
Riesling usually planted on thin soils as it needs less water than Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner needs more water so is planted on either loess, or, where it is present, clay
Other soil types include limestone & schist (such as Leithaberg Hills) as well as gravel and volcanic material (such as in Steiermark and parts of Kamptal

Question 6

What are the typical vine training practices in AUT?

Answer 6

In the 1980s the main training method was the Lenz Moser system where vines are cordon trained to the height of 1.2-1.4M (higher than other systems and requiring wider rows to avoid shading)
The system was popular for high-volume production as it reqs little maintenance once est’d, and allows mechanization
This has largely been superseded by single or doubly Guyot (replacement-cane) w/ VSP trellising (better for high quality)

Question 7

How are AUT vineyards typically harvested?

Answer 7

Machine harvesting is more common on flatter lands such as Weinviertel and Burgenland
However, in vineyards around Danube, such as Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal, the vines are planted on hand built, steep stone terraces so hand-harvested —> more $$
Growers indicate growing on these terraces = 3x hours

Question 8

What % of AUT vineyards are organic?

Answer 8

About 14%, w/ additional 9% sustainable
Disease pressure is low due to moderate precipitation in many parts of AUT, ranging from 450mm to 850mm
Rainfall can be low during the growing season, particularly in Niederösterreich, so irrigation may be req’d

Question 9

What are max yields in AUT?

Answer 9

Legally capped at 67.5 hL/ha
However, the avg yield over 5 yr of 2013-2017 has been 49 hL/ha

Question 10

What are AUT’s main grape varieties?

Answer 10

Best known for native grapes
2/3 of AUT vineyards are white, in particular Grüner V.
Grüner Veltliner is by far most planted, 32%, @ 2x more than 2nd place Zweigelt (R)
Zwigelt = #1 red, #2 overall @ 14%
Welschriesling (W) #3
Blaufränkisch
Riesling 4%

Question 11

Describe the Grüner Veltliner grape (in AUT)
% of plantings
Preferred soils and why
Vigor
Skins —> implications

Answer 11

Widely planted; accounts for 32% of all plantings
Unlike Riesling, does NOT thrive on dry soils, so better suited to clay and loess (which retain more water)
Can be very vigorous if planted on fertile soil —> needs canopy management to produce ripe grapes
Thick skins which can contribute phenolic taste or bitterness; also contain rotundone that gives peppery aroma

Question 12

Describe AUT wines made from Grüner Veltliner

Answer 12

M+ to High acidity
Typically not oaked
Range from simple w/ citrus and green fruit for early consumption, Acceptable to Good, inexpensive
To pronounced citrus and peach, great complexity, age worthy, G to O, premium price

Question 13

Describe the Zweigelt grape (in AUT)
% of plantings
Crossing of ?
Ripening
Yield
Vigor
Susceptibility and resistance

Answer 13

Most planted black variety at 14%
Crossing between Sankt Laurent and Blaufränkisch
Ripens early and more easily than Blaufränkisch
Can be high yielding
Vigorous —> leaf removal and canopy mgmt. important
Potassium deficiency can lead to withering of grapes before they ripen, leading to loss of crop for the vintage
Widely planted b/c NOT susceptible to frost or rot

Question 14

Describe wines made from Zweigelt in AUT

Answer 14

M+ acidity
M tannin
Red fruit, particularly cherry
Styles range from easy drinking, fruity un-oaked wines, A to G quality, inexpensive to mid-price
To Full bodied, oaked styles w/ age potential; VG and premium

Question 15

Describe the Welschriesling grape in AUT
Related to Riesling?
Plantings - how prominent in AUT? Where?
Aromatic or neutral?
Skins

Answer 15

Not related to Riesling
2nd most planted white in AUT
High acidity
Somewhat neutral aromatics
Found mainly in Steiermark, but also large plantings in Burgenland around humid Neusiedlersee region
Thin skinned

Question 16

Describe Welschriesling wines from AUT

Answer 16

Wines made in both dry style as well as sweet (can also be used for Sekt production)
Dry
High acidity
Usually made into neutral, un-oaked (potentially simple)
Acceptable to good; inexpensive
Sweet
Can be affected by noble rot
Beerenauslese (BA) or Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA)
High acidity
Pronounced tropical fruit, dried fruit w/ ability to develop in bottle
G to O; premium prices

Question 17

Describe the Blaufränkisch grape in AUT
Plantings
Budding, ripening —> implications
Skins
Yields —> implications

Answer 17

Second most planted black grape variety
Buds early —> susceptible to frost in SP
Ripens late —> needs warm climate to become fully ripe so generally only found in Burgenland
Thick skins —> not prone to rot, which is important in humid area around Neusiedlersee
Can produce high yields, and will struggle to ripen if not controlled
Main areas = Leithaberg DAC and Mittelburgenland DAC

Question 18

Describe Blaufränkisch wines in AUT

Answer 18

M+ to high tannins
High acidity
Deep color
Black fruit flavors
Can be very age-worthy and intense
Range
Simple, fruity wines w/ little or no oak age, G and mid-price
Pronounced black fruit, spicy oak character, high tannin wines, VG to O, premium priced

Question 19

Describe the Riesling grape in AUT
% of plantings
Where found
Typical sites

Answer 19

Only 4% of plantings
However, one of most prized varieties
Mainly found in Niederösterreich where it is 2nd most planted white variety
Mainly planted on the warmest sites on thin soils, as it needs less water than Grüner Veltliner

Question 20

Describe Riesling wines in AUT

Answer 20

Almost always dry
Can be full bodied
M alcohol
Ripe stone fruit and sometimes tropical
High acidity
Many can improve over 10-20yr where they become nutty, honeyed and have petrol notes
VG to O; premium $

Question 21

What are the typical white winemaking practices in AUT?
General aim?
Skin contact
Ferment vessel(s)
Temp
MLF/C
Storage vessel(s)

Answer 21

The most typical aim is to preserve the primary fruit and varietal character of the wine
Most producers use short period of skin contact to max the aromas & flavors
Most ferment in neutral vessel
Temp control to prevent loss of delicate, volatile aromas
Grüner Veltliner & Riesling typically do NOT get MLF/C b/c it would be difficult to achieve due to low pH and also want to retain varietal character of fresh acidity
Wines are stored in old wood or SS (for same reason)
Some producers choose acacia vats over oak for maturation as it gives a small amount of oxygenation w/o vanilla character
Most are fermented to dryness

Question 22

What are the typical red winemaking practices in AUT?
Ferment vessel(s)
Yeast
Maturation vessel(s)

Answer 22

Typically fermented in large, open-top vessels
Either punch downs or pump-overs
Some producers use ambient yeast
Stored in SS or matured in old oak vessels, often 300-600L or larger to help soften tannins w/o extracting oak flavor
A few premium wines are aged in barriques w/ some new oak
Some producers choose acacia vats over oak for maturation as it gives a small amount of oxygenation w/o vanilla character
As in other countries, some are experimenting w/ techniques such as prolonged skin contact or fermentation & aging in amphorae

Question 23

What is the Austrian wine appellation system?

Answer 23

DAC = Districtus Austriae Controllatus
Mixture of Germanic tradition and the Romanic system in which the style is linked to an origin
Since AUT is part of EU, the PDO and PGI system is also used
Wein = w/o Geo indication
Landwein = PGI (Protected Geographic Indication)
Qualitätswein = PDO (Protected Designation of Origin); also has to undergo gov’t inspection to ensure it meets min quality stds., and gov’t inspection # will be on label. This includes Prädikatswein

Question 24

What % do each of the AUT levels of wine represent?

Answer 24

PDO/ Qualitätswein (including Prädikatswein) is 90%
Wein (no geo indication) + PGI/ Landwein make up 10%

Question 25

What additional labeling terms can be added to AUT Qualitätswein and what do they mean?

Answer 25

Klassik = wine w/ vintage declared and showing varietal character Reserve = dry wines w/ minimum 13% abv, typically harvested and released later than std. wines

Question 26

How are the GER and AUT Prädikatswein classifications similar? Different?

Answer 26

Both are based on must weight at time of harvest The AUT system does not include Kabinett in Prädikatswein Additionally, TBA wines from the city of Rust, situated on Lake Neusiedlersee, are labeled as “Ausbruch”

Question 27

What do AUT DAC wines have to do to qualify to state their origin on the label? How many DAC regions are there currently?

Answer 27

In order to use the geographic origin on the label, only specific permitted grape varieties are allowed in each DAC This is to help ensure regional typicity and profile are maintained Those wines that do NOT meet the tasting panel criteria of “typical for that region” will be rejected (think Super Tuscans) There are 16 DAC wine growing regions

Question 28

What additional terms can be used as a quality hierarchy for DAC wines in AUT?

Answer 28

Gebietswein = regional Ortswein = village Riedenwein = single vineyard

Question 29

What additional associations (outside of AUT wine law) provide the most important classifications of quality and origin?

Answer 29

Österreichisch Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW) Founded 1992 Group of producers in Kamptal Kremstal, Wagram and Vienna (amongst other regions) who have been classifying their vineyards in a similar fashion to Burgundy based on soil type & climate In 2019, 81 vineyards selected as “Erste Lage” and dry wines from these vineyards can use a designated 1ÖTW logo on labels as long as the 2 most traditional grape varieties of the region are used Have applied to have this part of AUT wine law Vinea Wachau Group of quality-minded producers based in Wachau that have classification systems for wines of the region These can be displayed on the label There are registered trademarks for 3 classifications of dry white wines (less than 9 g/L RS) to help indicate style and quality Steinfeder = fruity, dry wine with max 11.5% abv Federspiel - more concentrated, dry wine w/ 11.5%-12.5% abv Smaragd = highly concentrated dry wine w/ ripe fruit flavors, min 12.5% abv

Question 30

What is Österreichisch Traditionsweingüter?

Answer 30

ÖTW Founded 1992 Group of producers in Kamptal Kremstal, Wagram and Vienna (amongst other regions) who have been classifying their vineyards in a similar fashion to Burgundy based on soil type & climate In 2019, 81 vineyards selected as “Erste Lage” and dry wines from these vineyards can use a designated 1ÖTW logo on labels as long as the 2 most traditional grape varieties of the region are used Have applied to have this part of AUT wine law

Question 31

What is Vinea Wachau?

Answer 31

Group of quality-minded producers based in Wachau that have classification systems for wines of the region These can be displayed on the label There are registered trademarks for 3 classifications of dry white wines (less than 9 g/L RS) to help indicate style and quality Steinfeder = fruity, dry wine with max 11.5% abv Federspiel - more concentrated, dry wine w/ 11.5%-12.5% abv Smaragd = highly concentrated dry wine w/ ripe fruit flavors, min 12.5% abv

Question 32

Describe Niederösterreich Relative size Main plantings Main sub-regions

Answer 32

“Lower Austria” AUT’s Largest grape growing region 2/3 of plantings are white w/ GV nearly 1/2 of all plantings Spread over large area, generally broken into 3 regions Weinviertel in the N The regions along the Danube that are W of Vienna, incl: Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, and Wagram The warmer Pannonia plain in the SE

Question 33

Describe Wachau Location Main grape(s) Location of vineyards How vineyards are planted + implications Soils Rainfall Hazard(s)

Answer 33

In Niederösterreich, mainly along the N bank of the Danube Riesling and Grüner Veltliner are the most planted and are never blended Most vineyards on steep terraces Best sites facing S for max sunlight interception Stone terraces retain heat during day, radiate it back at night, ensuring very ripe fruit; Danube also reflects heat & sun Soils are varied Riesling generally planted on gneiss Grüner V generally on loess Only 460mm rain —> irrigation necessary in many vintages Humidity from Danube can cause noble rot formation which may not be desired for dry styles

Question 34

What is the general quality and price level of wines from Wachau?

Answer 34

Almost exclusively VG to O Tend to be premium price

Question 35

Comment on the structure of the wine biz in Wachau

Answer 35

Largely dominated by family-owned estates FX Pichler Franz Hirtzberger Also home to a large quality-driven co-op, Domäne Wachau

Question 36

What rules apply to Wachau DAC wines?

Answer 36

For regional (Gebeitswein) and village (Ortswein) wines, a range of grapes can be used For single vineyard (Riedenwein) wines, only Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are permitted All DAC wines must be hand-harvested

Question 37

Describe the wines from Wachau DAC Aromas/flavors Body Oak influence Acidity Abv Quality & price

Answer 37

Due to stony terraces and high levels of sunshine, many will have citrus, stone fruit, and in the case of Smaragd wines (min12.5% abv) tropical fruit Body will range from light (in case of Steinfeder, where abv is max 11.5%) to full in Smaragd (min 12.5%) All 3 styles will have no new oak influence All will mave M+ to high acidity Rieslings rarely go over 14% abv, but in hot vintages Grüner Veltliner will sometimes exceed this Almost exclusively VG to O Tend to be premium price

Question 38

Describe Kremstal Location Relative climate Grape(s)

Answer 38

In Niederösterreich, situated around the town of Krems, borders Wachau to the W Influenced by the warm Pannonia plain to the E —> some Zweigelt is grown here (b/c warmer than Wachau), esp. in the area S of the Danube (red = 25% of plantings) Grüner and Riesling also grown

Question 39

What rules apply to Kremstal DAC labeled wines?

Answer 39

- Must be Riesling or Grüner Veltliner

Question 40

How would a Zweigelt wine from Kremstal be labeled?

Answer 40

Niederösterreich DAC Kremstal labelled wines can only be Riesling or GV

Question 41

Describe a typical white wine from Kremstal

Answer 41

Grüner Veltliner or Riesling Made in a dry style M+ to high levels of acidity Both will range from M to full body depending on site Both produce wines ranging from G to O, w/ mid-priced to premium

Question 42

Describe a typical red wine from Kremstal

Answer 42

Labeled as Niederösterreich b/c does not qualify for Kremstal DAC (req’d to be GV or Riesling) Most are made from Zweigelt Most are a fruity, easy drinking style w/ little or min oak Tend to have refreshing, M+ to High acid M tannins and body Red and black fruit aromas G to VG, mid-priced

Question 43

Describe Kamptal Location Plantings Relative climate and implications

Answer 43

In Niederösterreich Named after the river flowing through it (Kamp), surrounds the town of Langenlois Over 50% of plantings are GV, w/ Zweigelt taking 2nd, then Riesling Similar temps to Kremstal, but less humid so less botrytis Both warm breezes from Pannonian plain, meaning black varieties can ripen But also has cooling air from Bohemian Massif = large diurnal range that maintains acidity

Question 44

What requirements are there for Kamptal DAC labeling?

Answer 44

- Must be Riesling or Grüner Veltliner

Question 45

How would a red wine from Kamptal be labeled?

Answer 45

Niederösterreich, as in Kremstal To be Kamptal DAC, would have to be GV or Riesling

Question 46

Describe red wine from Kamptal

Answer 46

Labeled as Niederösterreich (b/c DAC req GV or Riesling) Zweigelt made in a fruity, easy drinking style of Good quality, mid-priced However, there are also some that may have been aged in large oak casks for 12 mo to add complexity which are typically VG quality and command slightly higher price Recently, PN has had a renaissance

Question 47

Describe Wagram Location
Location of vineyards Climate influence(s) Soils Grape(s)

Answer 47

In Niederösterreich S of Weinviertel, E of Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal Vineyards planted both N and S of the Danube on gently rolling hills Strong warming influence from Pannonian plain Based on loess soils -> GV is most widely planted Also known for wines made of Roter Veltliner (not related to Grüner Veltliner), a local white variety producing full-body whites

Question 48

What is Roter Veltliner?

Answer 48

Not related to Grüner Veltliner A local white grape producing full-body whites that develop nutty aromas w/ bottle age

Question 49

What is required for a Wagram DAC wine?

Answer 49

Trick question! There is no DAC for Wagram

Question 50

Describe Grüner Veltliner from Wagram

Answer 50

Made in Klassic (vintage dated and showing varietal character) and Reserve style (dry wines w/ min 13% abv, typically harvested later than std. wines) Other than some Eiswein and late harvest styles, most wines are dry w/ M body and High acidity G to VG, mid- to premium price

Question 51

Describe Weinviertel

Answer 51

In Niederösterreich, largest appellation here and in AUT Most N, along border w/ Czechia and Slovakia Grüner Veltliner = 1/2 plantings Difficult to make generalizations about such a large area Overall, fairly dry w/ 400-600mm rain Cooling breezes from N allow for high diurnal range, meaning peppery aromatics are preserved + high acidity

Question 52

What requirements are there for Weinviertel DAC wines ?

Answer 52

Must be Grüner Veltliner

Question 53

What are Weinviertal Reserve wines like?

Answer 53

Min 13% abv (as elsewhere using “Reserve”) Allow for some oak aging and/or inclusion of some botrytis affected grapes, which adds complexity although the wines are still dry

Question 54

Describe a Grüner Veltliner wind from Weinviertel

Answer 54

Typically the most peppery in AUT b/c of cooling N winds Citrus and green fruit aromas M to M+ body High acidity G to VG, inexpensive to premium

Question 55

Describe Thermenregion Location Climatic influence and implications Grape(s)

Answer 55

S-most region of Niederösterreich To west of Neusiedlersee and Leithaberg Close to capital Vienna Benefits from warm are coming from Pannonian plain, so… Black grapes consistency account for almost 50% Pinot Noir, Sankt Laurent (reds) Most planted white is Neuburger (local), plus Rotgipfler, Zierfandler Not part of DAC system

Question 56

What is required for Thermenregion DAC

Answer 56

Trick question! Not part of DAC system

Question 57

Describe wines made from Sankt Laurent

Answer 57

M(-) body M tannins Red cherry flavors and sometimes likened to PN Often matured in oak to give flavors of spice G to VG, mid-priced

Question 58

Describe Neuburger

Answer 58

A local white grape, the most planted white grape of Thermenregion Subtle spicy and floral aromas

Question 59

Describe Rotgipfler

Answer 59

White grape found in Thermenregion Full-boded w/ peach flavors Blended w/ Zierfandler as a local specialty

Question 60

Describe Zierfandler

Answer 60

White grape found in Thermenregion Aromatic w/ notes of peach, honey, spice Blended w/ Rotgipfler as a local specialty

Question 61

Describe Bergenland Location Main sub-areas Relative climate/ influence Grape(s)

Answer 61

E AUT on the border w/ Hungary Main sub-areas = Neusiedlersee, Leithaberg, Mittelburgenland One of the flattest and warmest areas of AUT Warm air from the Pannonian plain makes it possible to reliably ripen black grapes Black grapes = 55% of plantings, many Blaufränkisch & Zweigelt Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling are the most planted whites

Question 62

Compare the quality level of Grüner Veltliner form Burgenland to that of Niederösterreich

Answer 62

Burgenland GV does not normally reach the quality levels of Niederösterreich Mainly b/c the climate is too warm

Question 63

What role does Welschriesling play in Burgenland?

Answer 63

Plays a major role Produces botrytized wines, some of which are outstanding quality

Question 64

Describe Neusiedlersee Location Relative climate and implications Grape(s)

Answer 64

In Burgenland, situated on E shores of large shallow lake, the Neusidlersee Flat, warm, humid — warmest area of AUT Water in lake can reach 30C in summer Conditions provide for consistent noble rot in every vintage Away from the lake humidity is not as high, but it is still warm so black grapes can ripen Welschriesling (often made TBA) Zweigelt (most planted) and Blaufränkisch

Question 65

Describe how/why noble rot is consistent in Neusiedlersee

Answer 65

In AU mo, air temp drops but lake is still warm so fog forms overnight, covering surrounding vineyards (only vineyards closest to lake); High humidity encourages botrytis but warm AU sunshine prevents grey rot Welschriesling is planted near the lake as its thin skins make it prone to noble rot

Question 66

Describe a Neusiedlersee TBA wine

Answer 66

Predominantly Welschriesling, although other white grapes are blended Some of the most prized wines of the region Very sweet Balanced w/ high levels of acidity Noble rot aromas of marmalade Not usually oaked Hand-harvested over many weeks Premium priced, VG to O Generally capable of bottle age

Question 67

What is Ruster Ausbruch DAC

Answer 67

Created for TBA wines that meet certain requirements from the municipality of Rust (in Neusiedlersee)

Question 68

Describe red wines from Neusidlersee

Answer 68

Typically Zweigelt or Zweigelt blended w/ Blaufränkisch Zweigelt DAC Klassic wines typically have red cherry fruit w/ little or no oak M acidity M to full body G to VG, mid-priced DAC Reserve Typically aged in oak G to VG, mid to premium price

Question 69

What is a wine labeled as DAC Neusiedlersee What about DAC Klassic Neusiedlersee What about Reserve?

Answer 69

This is a red wine (rather than the sweet wines) Based on Zweigelt Klassic must be 200% Zweigelt Reserve must e min 60% Zweigelt and can be blended w/ Blaufränkisch, PN or Sankt Laurent, typically aged in oak

Question 70

What would a TBA from Neusiedlersee be labeled as?

Answer 70

Likely labeled as Burgenland as the DAC for Neusiedlersee is for red wines If from Rust, it might be Rusted Ausbruch DAC

Question 71

Describe Leithaberg Location Style(s) of wine Relative climate Grape(s)

Answer 71

West of Neusiedlersee in Burgenland Varied region, produces a large # of styles of wine On W shores of Neusiedlersee round Rust, Ausbruch is produced To the W of the lake, humidity is less so black grapes are more common, w/ Blaufränkisch 20% of all plantings Leithaberg hills provide diurnal range

Question 72

Describe a Leithaberg DAC wine

Answer 72

Can apply to either red or white Red Min 85% Blaufränkisch Must be aged in oak Acidity M+ to high M+ to full body VG to O, premium price White Dry Blend or single varietal from Weissburgunder, Chard, Grüner Veltliner, or Neuberger M to H acidity, depending on variety/ies M(-) to M+ G to VG, Mid to premium

Question 73

Describe Mittelburgenland Location Relative climate Grape(s)

Answer 73

Burgenland, S of Leithaberg Exposed to Pannonian plain so warm climate Means Blaufränkisch can easily ripen and accounts for > 50%

Question 74

What are the DAC styles of Mittelburgenland? Style? Quality and price?

Answer 74

All must be min 85% Blaufränkisch DAC = typically aged in SS tanks or large oak casks DAC + vineyard designation = slightly higher min alcohol and typically aged in large oak casks or barriques Basic DAC are mid-priced, G to VG DAC Reserve = slightly higher min alcohol level, a longer time maturing and typically aged in large oak casks or barriques Reserve wines tend to be full body, pronounced aromas, VG to O and premium

Question 75

Describe Steiermark
Location Location of vineyards grape(s) Sub-regions

Answer 75

AKA Styria SE corner of AUT, on border of Slovenia Many vineyards situated on steep hills w/ terraces Cold winters = freezing can be an issue and spring frost, hail are also problematic Known for crisp, dry whites Most planted grapes = Welschriesling, Sauv Blanc, Weissburgunder Sub-regions include: Vulkanland Steiermark, Südsteirmark, Weststeiermark

Question 76

What DACs exist in Steiermark? What is required?

Answer 76

Vulkanland Steiermark DAC Südsteiermark DAC Weststeiermark DAC A range of grape varieties are permitted for regional (Gebietswein) wines, whereas local specialties, such as Sauv Blanc, must be the focus of the Village (Ortsweine) and single-vineyard (Riedenweine) wines

Question 77

What are the general characteristics of wine from Steiermark?

Answer 77

Known for crisp, dry white wines Most wines are of Welschreisling, Sauv Blanc, Weissburgunder Most have high acidity, in part due to diurnal range Most made for immediate, refreshing drinking G to VG, mid-priced

Question 78

Describe Wein

Answer 78

Vineyards of the Federal State of Vienna, situated in and around the capital city Most wines produced here are made for immediate consumption in informal local premises that sell newly made wines from the current harvest

Question 79

What is the DAC of Wein What requirements?

Answer 79

Weiner Gemischter Satz Must be a blend, of which 20 varieties are permitted Must be dry and un-oaked Can be labeled w/ an indication of vineyard site Wines do not necessarily have to taste dry

Question 80

Describe a Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC wine

Answer 80

White blend, of which 20 grape varieties permitted Dry and un-oaked, although does not need to taste dry Most are M+ to high acid Light body Acceptable to G, entry level to intermediate pricing, although there are high-quality, premium priced examples

Question 81

Describe the wine biz of AUT # and size of estates Where sold

Answer 81

Highly fragmented Almost 4k wine estates However, considerable decline in very small (PT) estates and increase in # of producers w/ > 5 ha and full time More than 1/2 of sales are to hospitality sector, particularly to Huerigen (small inns/taverns serving simple food, local wine, often w/ outdoor space) In retail sector, domestic wine is dominant, including 2/3 of all wine purchased

Question 82

What is a Heurigen?

Answer 82

Comes from the word “heurige” meaning “this year’s” These are small inns or taverns that serve simple food, and local wine, and many of which have outdoor spaces for eating & drinking They are most frequently open in late summer and autumn Many operate year-round Play an important role in domestic sales, particularly for small vineyard owners

Question 83

What % of AUT wines are exported?

Answer 83

About 20% of production is exported Main market is GER — accounts for just under 1/2 by volume, and over 50% by value Switzerland and USA are next most important by volume