Austrian Wine

Austria is an increasingly important central European wine producer, in terms of both quality and innovation. Compared to its immediate neighbors, Austria has taken the lead in creating signature styles of wine, which are highly regarded not only within its borders, but throughout the world. It is blessed with a unique terroir which complements the grape varieties grown here.

Located at a latitude of 47 to 48 degrees north, this landlocked country has a continental climate, with extreme variations in winter and summer temperatures. The grape-growing climate is also affected by many local geographical features, including the River Danube (known here as the Donau), which runs through the major wine regions and helps to moderate temperatures. The Neusiedler See (Lake Neusiedl) in the far east of Austria has a similar influence. The warm Pannonian Plain, which extends into Hungary, assists in the production of quality red wines.

Traditionally, Austrian wine has been most influenced by the wine styles and laws of Germany. Its appellation system more or less follows that of Germany and is based on the must weight (sugar level) of the grapes. But Austria has also excelled in creating  its own specialties, such as Ausbruch, Strohwein and – in particular – wines labeled 'Trocken' (dry), which have become fashionable and much sought after. Quality-conscious producers from the highly regarded region of Wachau have also created their own individual wine styles, which carry Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd labels. Austrian dessert wines show the influence of its eastern neighbor, Hungary.

Austria's wine regions are concentrated in the east of the country, with Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) being the most important. The cooler regions produce the best wines from Austria's iconic Grüner Veltliner – the most widely planted white grape variety, which can be used to make a range of wines. For many years Gruner Veltliner was mainly used to mass-produce sweeter wine, but producers are now turning out crisp, dry examples, some of which age well. This move to drier wines partly resulted from the 1985 'Austrian Anti-freeze' scandal, in which diethylene glycol (an ingredient in anti-freeze) was found to have been added to some bulk-produced wines to increase levels of sweetness and body. The scandal led to a collapse of Austrian wine exports – and its reputation – but stricter wine laws were enacted and the industry is now well on the way to recovery.

Welschriesling is primarily used for dessert wines, while Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer are other important white varieties. The far-eastern vineyards, which experience maximum sunlight and warmth due to warm winds from the Pannonian Plain, are the source of the best red wines, produced from Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir and Portugieser grapes.