Grapes and wines of Austria Flashcards
Describe the climate of Austria
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
Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Grüner Veltliner
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
Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Welschriesling
In dry style: usually fresh but simple, citrus and green apple flavours and high acidity
Susceptible to botrytis: can produce high-quality dessert wines
Describe the range of styles and winemaking techniques for Riesling
Usually dry and medium to full-bodied, with ripe peachy primary fruit. Best examples are capable of maturing in bottle
Where do the best examples of Riesling come from in Austria?
Wachau
Kamptal DAC
Kremstal DAC
What other white varieties are widely planted in Austria?
Chardonnay Müller-Thurgau Sauvignon Blanc (growing reputation in Steiermark)
Describe the typical style of Zweigelt
(Blaufränkisch X St Laurent)
Gives very deeply coloured reds with soft tannins and bramble fruit
Describe the typical style of Blaufränkisch
Most highly regarded of the black varieties
Medium tannins, high acidity, peppery, sour cherry flavour
Describe a typical style of St Laurent
Similar to Pinot Noir. Oak ageing is common, some blend with international varieties e.g. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
List the four federal states of Austria
Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
Burgenland
Steiermark (Styria)
Wien (Vienna)
What is the PGI for Austria?
Landwein
What is the label for wine without GI?
Wein
How does the PDO system fit into Austria?
Four federal states which include 16 smaller areas qualifying for PDO states.
Describe Qualitätswein in Austria
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)
What does DAC mean in Austria?
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.
List the key subregions of Niederösterreich with their best known wines
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)
Describe the key vineyard layout for sweet winemaking of Burgenland
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
Describe the typical wines of Burgenland
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
Describe vineyard layout for the best red wines in Burgenland
Higher ground away from lake and hills further south
List best known DAC’s of Burgenland, and what wines they qualify for
Neusiedlersee DAC = Zweigelt
Mittelburgenland DAC = Blaufränkisch
