Grapes and wines of Austria

Question 1

Describe the climate of Austria

Answer 1

Cool continental climate
Short summers, very harsh winters
Most northerly regions experience cooling northerly winds
Those closest to Hungarian border are warmed by easterly winds
Much less annual weather variation than in Northern Europe

Question 2

Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Grüner Veltliner

Answer 2

At high yields: fresh but unexciting
Careful control of yields: full-bodied, concentrated wines with naturally high acidity
In youth gives flavours of citrus or stone fruit, sometimes hints of white pepper, develops layers of honey and toast as the wine ages
Majority of producers ferment and store wines in stainless steel, but old oak casks are also used. Some may even mature a portion of their best wines in new oak barriques

Question 3

Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Welschriesling

Answer 3

In dry style: usually fresh but simple, citrus and green apple flavours and high acidity
Susceptible to botrytis: can produce high-quality dessert wines

Question 4

Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Riesling

Answer 4

Usually dry and medium to full-bodied, with ripe peachy primary fruit. Best examples are capable of maturing in bottle

Question 5

Where do the best examples of Riesling come from in Austria?

Answer 5

Wachau
Kamptal DAC
Kremstal DAC

Question 6

What other white varieties are widely planted in Austria?

Answer 6

Chardonnay
Müller-Thurgau
Sauvignon Blanc (growing reputation in Steiermark)

Question 7

Describe the typical style of Zweigelt

Answer 7

(Blaufränkisch X St Laurent)

Gives very deeply coloured reds with soft tannins and bramble fruit

Question 8

Describe the typical style of Blaufränkisch

Answer 8

Most highly regarded of the black varieties

Medium tannins, high acidity, peppery, sour cherry flavour

Question 9

Describe a typical style of St Laurent

Answer 9

Similar to Pinot Noir. Oak ageing is common, some blend with international varieties e.g. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Question 10

List the four federal states of Austria

Answer 10

Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
Burgenland
Steiermark (Styria)
Wien (Vienna)

Question 11

What is the PGI for Austria?

Answer 11

Landwein

Question 12

What is the label for wine without GI?

Answer 12

Wein

Question 13

How does the PDO system fit into Austria?

Answer 13

Four federal states which include 16 smaller areas qualifying for PDO states.

Question 14

Describe Qualitätswein in Austria

Answer 14

Each federal state and 7 of these smaller areas are designated for Qualitätswein production. Includes 35 permitted grape varieties, with freedom of style.
Each Qualitätswein level can be labelled with a Prädikat level which works the same way as the German Prädikatswein system, except they are mainly reserved for medium-sweet and sweet wines, and two additional levels exist: Ausbruch (between BA and TBA), and Strohwein/Schilfwein (grape bunches laid on beds of straw/reeds during winter to concentrate sugar)

Question 15

What does DAC mean in Austria?

Answer 15

Districtus Austriae Controllatus: 9 of smaller regions have elected to become DAC, meaning producers agreed on a grape variety/varieties with corresponding wine styles and regulations that they believe best reflects their area. Only wines that conform to this agreed style may use the name of the appellation. Otherwise they have to use the name of the federal state.

Question 16

List the key subregions of Niederösterreich with their best known wines

Answer 16

Wachau (elected NOT to be DAC) - has its own classification system - makes high-quality dry wines from Grüner Veltliner or Riesling (steep, usually terraced, south-facing vineyards next to Danube = sun exposure = highly concentrated flavours)
Kamptal DAC - similar style and quality to Wachau, from Grüner Veltliner or Riesling
Kremstal DAC- similar style and quality to Wachau, from Grüner Veltliner or Riesling
Weinvertel DAC (largest area, first DAC) - ONLY Grüner Veltliner, with 2 levels: Klassik (light, fresh, fruity, no discernible oak flavours), Reserve (higher min alcohol, allowed to be matured in oak)

Question 17

Describe the key vineyard layout for sweet winemaking of Burgenland

Answer 17

Low-lying ground near the Neusiedlersee lake, benefits from autumn mists from the lake and wetland regions on margins. Ideal conditions for botrytis (almost guaranteed every year). NOTE Neusiedlersee DAC is only for Zweigelt

Question 18

Describe the typical wines of Burgenland

Answer 18

Top-quality sweet wines from Welschriesling
Top quality-red wines from Zweigelt (most widely planted), Blaufränkisch, St Laurent, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Dry whites from Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay

Question 19

Describe vineyard layout for the best red wines in Burgenland

Answer 19

Higher ground away from lake and hills further south

Question 20

List best known DAC’s of Burgenland, and what wines they qualify for

Answer 20

Neusiedlersee DAC = Zweigelt

Mittelburgenland DAC = Blaufränkisch