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Austria is an increasingly important central European wine-producing country in terms of quality and innovation. When compared to its immediate neighbors, the country has taken the lead in creating signature styles of wine that are not only appreciated within its borders but are also highly regarded throughout the world. Blessed with a unique terroir that complement the grape varieties grown throughout the country, the Austrian wine industry has grown into a force to reckon with in the world of wine.
Located between the 47 and 48 degrees northern latitudes, the climate in this land-locked country is continental which means that the seasonal features vary decidedly with extreme variations in the winter and summer temperatures although many local geographical features also affect the grape-growing climate. One of them is the river Danube (locally known as Donau) that runs through the major wine regions aiding in moderating the temperatures. The Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) in the far east has similar effects. The warm Pannonian plains across the eastern border helps in the production of quality red wines.
Traditionally, Austrian wine has been most influenced by the styles and laws of Germany. Its appellation system more or less follows the German nomenclature based on the must weight (sugar level) of the grapes. But the country has also excelled in creating some of its own specialties like Ausbruch, Strohwein and especially the ones labeled 'Trocken' (dry) that have become very fashionable and are much sought-after. The quality conscious producers from the highly regarded region of Wachau have also created their own unique styles that appear on labels as Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd. Hungary has also greatly influenced its dessert wine styles.
All of Austria's wine regions are concentrated on the east (see the table below) with Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) being the most important. The cooler regions produce the best wines from the country's iconic variety Grüner Veltliner, most famous as a dry and stylistic wine that has brought glory to the local wine industry. Welschriesling is mostly used for the dessert wines. Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer are other important white varieties. The far eastern vineyards that experience the maximum sunlight and warmth due to the warm winds from the Pannonian plains across the border, are the source of best red wines from Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir and Portugieser.
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