Facts About Austria Wine   White Grape   Red Grape  

Austrian Wine Regions

Lower Austria   Burgenland   Steirermark   Vienna  

Austrian Wineries

Bründlmayer Winery
With 125 acres of vineyards scattered around the small Austrian town of Langenlois Weingut Bründlmayer is one of the most important wineries in Austria.

Julius Hafner Winery
The Julius Hafner Winery is located in the quaint town of Moenchhof, approx. 50 km (35 miles) from Vienna on the eastern shore of Lake Neusiedl, Austria's oldest wine growing community.

Netzl Winery
The Netzl Family have been farmers in the small village Göttlesbrunn arguably in the centre of Carnuntum wine industry, for generations. In 1948, the family planted 1,5 hectars of vines.

Nigl Family Winery
The Nigl Family cultivates 17 hectares of wine growing area in the Krems valley. The vineyards of the estate are in Gärtling, Kremsleithen, Senftenberger Piri, and Hochäcker.

Sattlerhof Winery
Close to Gamlitz, a winding road leads up Mount Sernauberg to the "Sattlerhof", bringing you to the Sattler family. The Sattlerhof has been one of the leading wine estates and restaurants in Austria for many years.

SevenHill Winery
Sevenhill Cellars was established in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order known as Jesuits. Apart from Sacramental Wine, the Cellars are renowned for their dry reds, whites and fortifieds.

Facts About Austria Wine

The wine growing areas are all in the east of Austria, around the capital Vienna, covering a total area of nearly 58 200 hectares. There are 4 wine regions - Lower Austria ( Niederosterreich ) is the largest, covering 33 648 hectares, or 58% of the total; Burgenland encompasses 20 986 hectares, or 36%; Styria ( Steiermark ) 2 844 hectares, or 5%; and Vienna 704 hectares, or 1% ( Vienna is the only capital in the world that has commercial vineyards within its city limits).

Austria produces an average of 2.5m hectolitres of wine a year, placing it 17th in the world production league table. Both indigenous and "classic" grape varieties are grown, of which approximately 75% are white and 25% red. The white Griiner Veltliner - Austria' s most typical and well-known varietal - is the most popular grape variety cultivated, accounting for 36% of total plantings. Amongst the other white varieties, Riesling, Welschriesling, Riesling x Sylvaner Muller Thurgau Weissburgunder Pinot Blanc and Neuburger are fairly widespread, with Chardonnay ( known as Morillon in Styria ) and sauvignon Blanc gaining in popularity. Of the reds, Blauer Zweigelt - an Austrian crossing of St Laurent and Blaufrainkisch is the most widely planted, with 6% of the total; followed by Blauer Portugieser, Blaufrainkisch and St Laurent . Some Blauburgunder ( Pinot Noir ) and Cabernet Sauvignon can be found ( with less than 1% each ), both of which, in line with current trends, are being cultivated more. Most of the wines made in Austria are single varietals, although there is a fashion particularly amongst the reds to blend grape varieties, sometimes producing a cuvee of indigenous and "classic" types ( such as Cabernet Sauvignon / Blauer Zweigelt ).

A wide range of wine styles is produced in Austria, from Sekt ( sparkling wines sometimes made in the "methode traditionelle", but often by the transfer or tank method ) to dry whites, reds and especially dessert wines. The majority of wines made are dry whites, but occasionally "halb-trocken" or semi- sweet wines are produced. Austria's dessert wines are particularly acclaimed throughout the world, especially those from around the Lake Neusiedl in the Burgenland where the growing conditions are perfect for the production of sweet, botrytisised wines ). The comprehensive variety of wine styles produced means that there is something to suit every palate, and to accompany both traditional Austrian and international cuisine. Most wines available for sale in Austria are Austrian; with the majority of the country's production being sold and consumed on the domestic market. However, Austria's entry into the EU on Ist January 1995 will without doubt affect these figures - by how much is yet to be seen, but data should be available at the year end. The situation is obviously being carefully monitored in Austria. A large proportion of the wine sold domestically is ex- cellar, thereby avoiding Austria's 20% VAT - the standard 10% beverage tax remains the same, but VAT is 12%. A percentage of the wine is not bottled, being consumed on-premise in Austria's acclaimed "heurigen". A heurigen is a sort of "wine inn", where the wine on offer has been produced on the property ( as is the food ). It is usually served straight from the vat, in large flasks or jugs. Young and refreshing, it is the perfect accompaniment to the excellent home-made breads, meats and cheeses. "G-Spritzer", the name given in Austria to the combination of white wine and soda, is one of the most popular drinks consumed in a heurigen.

Outside of its domestic field Germany is far and away the most important market for Austrian wines, taking 73% of total exports. The Czech Republic is in second place in terms of volume, although not in value since the majority of exports are bulk wine.- There is a great deal of discrepancy between bulk and quality wine exports from Austria. Bulk wine represents 28,366 hi of exports - 22% of the total - but only brings in Austrian Schillings OS40m, which is 14.3% of value. For example, the Czech Republic imported 16m hectolitres of Austrian bulk wine worth OS6.3m, less than that netted by the Im hectolitres exported to the US, or the 1.4m hectolitres imported by Japan. Austria has a strong currency, and broadly speaking countries with weak currencies tend to import bulk wines, whilst those countries with stronger currencies can afford the more expensive, exotic wines. Currency fluctuations are a significant factor in fluctuating export figures. Within Europe, the UK is an important and relatively established market for Austrian wines; the Scandinavian countries have shown impressive increases recently; whilst Holland & Belgium hold interesting opportunities. The US is another increasingly important customer of Austrian wines, particularly for the country"s renowned - and often expensive - dessert wines ( also extremely popular in Germany, not least because they offer competitive prices- compared to their German counterparts ). The Austrian wine regions cover an area half the size of Bordeaux, so there are not vast quantities of wine to be sold, The aim of the Austrian wine industry therefore can not be to sell large volumes of wine everywhere but instead is to have representation in selected countries world-wide. Austrian wines are perfect for niche markets.

The Austrian Wine Marketing Board ( Osterreichische Weinmarketing Servicegesellschaft - or OWMS ) in Vienna co-ordinates and advises on both the domestic and export markets - osterreichische Weinmarketing Servicegesellschaft mbH, Gumpendorfer Strabe 5, A- 1060 Vienna, Austria. Tel: ( +43 ) 1 - 587 4767, Fax: ( +43 ) 1 - 587 4767-32 - whilst outside of the country an "Austrian Wine Information Service can be found in Great Britain and in Germany. These offices provide details to both members of the trade and the public - on Austrian wines already on the market, wineries looking to export, general information on Austria and its wine regions, etc. The Austrian Wine Academy ( Weinakademie osterreich ), based in Rust in the Burgenland - Weinakademie Osterreich, HaupstraBe 81, A-7071 Rust, Austria. Tel: ( +43 ) 2685 - 453, Fax: ( +43 ) 2685 - 6431 - runs courses throughout the year for winemakers and members of the wine trade, as well as courses for interested members of the public ( once a year - usually in September - a course is held in the English language, which is particularly popular with Americans and English ). The Austrian Wine Marketing Board, the Austrian Wine Academy and the Austrian Wine Information Service all report increased interest in the country and its wines, which would seem to confirm the growing popularity of Austrian wines world-wide. Overall Austrian wine exports increased by 17% in quantity in 1994, and 14% in value. Austrian wines may finally be receiving the recognition that they so rightly deserve.....

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AUSTRIAN GRAPE VARIETIES

White Grape

Austrian quality wines are usually produced from a single grape variety. In addition to most international grape varieties, there are a number of specifically Austrian types, like the Gruner Veltliner, the Neuburger, the Zierfandler, to name a few. White wines are produced on 80 %, and red wines on 20% of Austria's vineyards.

GRUNER VETLINER

36 % of Austrias vineyards
Bouquet: 'Peppery'
The Gruner Veltliner is the most typical Austrian white wine variety. Typical growing areas are most of Niederosterreich (Lower Austria) and Wien (Vienna), although it can also be found in Burgenland. As Qualitatswein and at the Kabinett level it is fruity and pleasantly spicy and should be consumed at an early age. It is a perfect partner for all kinds of dishes from rustic to gourmet cuisine. As a Pradikat wine it can be stored up to 20 years and more.

RIESLING (SYLVANER MULLER THURGAU)
9 %, of Austrias vineyards
Bouquet: a hint of muscat
As Qualitatswein or Kabinett wines they are delicate with a mild scent and are consumed at an early age. Their charming, balanced character makes them ideal summer wines and excellent accompaniments to modern refined cuisine.

WELSCHRIESLING
8.5 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: fresh hay
Despite the similarity of name, this vine variety is not a Riesling at all. It is grown in all wine regions. Wines are delicate, show elegant fruitiness on the palate and are usually drunk young. In the Burgenland Trockenbeerenauslese wines are also produced from this grape.

WEISSBURGUNDER(Pinot Blanc)
3.5 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: bitter almonds
Weissburgunder is grown in all wine regions. Requires soils rich in lime, and the grapes should ripen to full maturity (Kabinett, Spatlese). With the "noble rot "Botrytis this variety can produce excellent Trockenbeerenauslese wines.

NEUBURGER
3 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: green walnut
A specifically Austrian variety grown mainly in the Thermenregion (producing robust as well as delicate, mild wines), in the Wachau (delicate, tender and fragrant wines), and in some districts of Burgenland.

RIESLING
2.5 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: peach or roses
The Reisling is known world-wide as the "King of white wines". In Austria it is mainly grown in the Danube valley, on the Kamp (Langenlois, Strass), but also inVienna and in the Weinviertel. Wines are characterised by a lively crisp acidity with a high extract content and may develop into big wines with age.

TRAMINER
1 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: roses
Despite the fact that it has been grown in Austria for centuries, this variety is rare. Its wines have plenty of bouquet and an individual character. They can be stored for a very long time.

CHARDONNAY
Less than 1 % of Austrias vineyards
Bouquet: green apples
Increasingly grown in all wine regions. It has been cultivated in the South of Styria under the name "Morillon" for decades.There are two vinification methods for this wine: the international method of malolactic fermentation with storage in barriques, and the traditional reductive method, where the wine is stored in vats or steel tanks and which retains the fruity and racy acidity.

SPATROT-ROTGIPFLER
Less than 1 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: fresh asparagus
Austrian name for the blend made from Zierfandler (Spatrot is a synonym) and Rotgipfler, both of which are typical of and almost exclusively produced in the Thermenregion (Gumpoldskirchen, Traiskirchen, Pfaffstatten and other communities). At the Auslese level it makes potent, sweet wines which can be stored for a long time. Each of these varieties are also Rotgipfler vinified separately.
Quality categories range from Kabinett to Auslese, and sometimes even Trockenbeerenaulese. A dry Ziefandler is spicy and fruity whereas the Rotgipfler tastes milder.

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Red Grape

BLAUER-ZWEIGELT
6 % of Austrias vineyards
Bouquet: cherries
Austria's main red wine goes back to a crossing of St. Laurent and Blaufranskisch which was carried out by Dr. Zweigelt. This deeply red and gently astringent wine can be found in all wine growing areas.

BLAUER PORTUGlESER
5.5% of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: violets
One of the typical red wines from Lower Austria, especially in Pulkautal, Retz and the Thermenregion. It produces a rather mild wine which should be drunk young.

BLAUFRANKISCH
5 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: hint of cinnamon
A traditional vine which can produce high quality wines and is typically found in the area of the Neusiedlersee-Hugelland (Lake Neusiedl hills), as well as in Middle and South Burgenland.
It makes robust wines rich in tannin and with a lot of character which develop favourably when stored for several years.
Many wine producers use barriques in addition to the traditional storage casks.

St. LAURENT
1 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: bitter cherries
Belongs to the Pinot family and is mainly cultivated in Lower Austria and Burgenland. This vine gives nicely-bodied, dark, fruity red wines which develop well when stored in bottle for several years.

BLAUBURGUNDER (Pinot Noir)
Less than 1 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: raspberries
Mainly grown in Lower Austria and Burgenland. Since the quality of the wine depends largely on the ripeness of the grapes, it should only be grown on carefully chosen vineyards. This grape variety produces wines with a lot of body and fine bouquet and can be stored for a long time.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Less than 1 % of Austria's vineyards
Bouquet: blackcurrants
This vine was introduced into Austria in 1860 by Robert Schlumberger. Has been cultivated more frequently in recent years and is now found mainly in Burgenland, Lower Austria and Vienna. It is usually aged in barriques. These wines can be rich in extract and have been quite successful in recent international tastings.

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Lower Austria

NIEDEROSTERREICH

Accounting for 58% of Austria's vineyards. Lower Austria is the largest wine region in Austria and comprises five districts which are situated along the Danube.

WEINVIERTEL

The Weinviertel stretches out from the Manhartsberg to the March river and as far as the Czechoslovakian border in the North. It is the largest wine growing area in Lower Austria.
The main villages in the western part are Retz, Roschitz, Mailberg and Hollabrunn; in the East there are alkenstein, Poysdorf, Wolkersdorf, Matzen and Mannersdorf. Although the Weinviertel is mainly a white wine area, there are some places where red wine is more important.

The main white wines are the Gruner Veltliner (particularly typical for this area), Riesling x Sylvaner (Muller Thurgau), Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc; the main red wines are: Zweigelt, Blauer Portugieser and Pinot Noir.
The Weinviertel is also typical for many quality sparkling wines, especially along the Brunner Strasse between Vienna and Poysdorf.

KAMPTAL-DONAULAND

This is a large wine growing area along the Kamp and Danube rivers. Loess and primary rocks are the main geological characteristics. The main villages are Krems, Strass, Langenlois, Gottweig and Hollenburg.

Main white wines: Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, Riesling x Sylvaner.
Main red wines: Zweigelt, Pinot Noir. Also sparkling wines.

DONAULAND-CARNUNTUM
Stretches out east and west of Vienna along the Danube.
Main villages: Herzogenburg, Fels, Klosterneuburg, Gottlesbrunn.

Main white wine varieties: Gruner Veltliner, Riesling, Riesling x Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc.
Main red wine varieties (especially in the eastern part): Zweigelt, Blauer Portugieser, Blaufrankisch.

THERMENREGION
Famous wine area south of Vienna.
Main villages: Gumpoldskirchen, Traiskirchen, Baden, Tattendorf, Sooss, Bad Voslau.

Main white wine varieties: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler (called Spatrot-Rotgipfler when combined with the Zierfandler), Neuburger, Pinot Blanc.
Main red wine varieties: Blauer Portugieser, St. Laurent, Zweigelt, Pinot Noir. Speciality of this region is the Spatrot-Rotgipfler Auslese, a wine which can he stored for a long time.

WACHAU
Comprises the vineyards of the narrow Danube valley between Melk and Krems.
Soil mainly primary rocks, occasionally with layers of loess on top.
Main villages: Spitz, Weissenkirchen, Durnstein, Loiben, Rossatz, and Mautern.
Main vines: Gruner Veltliner. Riesling. Distinctive wine categories established by the "Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus" (the local Appellation of origin) are: Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd.

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Burgenland

• Neusiedlersee (11235 hectares)
  
• Neusiedlersee-Hugelland (7187 hectares)
  
• Mittleburgenland (Middle Burgenland,2105 hectares)
  
• Sudbergenland (South Burgenland, 459 hectares)

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Steirermark (Styria)

• Sudsteiermark (South Styria,1571 hectares)
  
• Sud-Oststeiermark (South-East Styria,1005 hectares)
  
  
• Weststeiermark (West Styria,278 hectares)

The vineyards are very often a considerable distance from each other. In the mountainous areas only the best locations are cultivated. The difference between the various vineyards and locations makes for a multitude of different wines. This is a particular characteristic of Styria.
SUDSTEIERMARK
The wine area is divided into the Sausal district with the main villages of Leibnitz, Silberberg, Kitzeck, and the wine area along the Sudsteirische Weinstrabe (South Styrian wine route), the main villages being Gamlitz, Ehrenhausen and Leutschach.
The white wines from Southern Styria are much sought after. They are very racy, have a lot of bouquet and are rich in extract. The landscape where only the best slopes on the southern sides of the hills are cultivated has a unique atmosphere.
The main vine varieties are: Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay (called Morillon here), Sauvignon Blanc and Muskateller (also known as Gelber /Muskateller).

SUD-OSTSTEIERMARK

Here the vineyards are scattered widely like islands. The southernmost area around Kloch is particularly interesting for its Klocheberg vineyard, which is of volcanic origin and famous for its Traminer.
Other main varieties include Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc, Rulander, and Riesling x Sylvaner. They produce dry, fruity and racy white wines.

WESTSTEIERMARK

A small wine area that concentrates on the production of its unique wine, the Schilcher. This rose speciality is pressed from the Blauer Wildbacher grape, has overwhelmingly fruity character with a lot of racy acidity and is low in alcohol. It should be drunk young and cool, ideally in its first year. It is ideal as an aperitif but is also a refreshing wine for other occasions and is particularly popular as an accompaniment to Styrian cuisine.
The main villages are St. Stefan, Stainz, and Deutschlandsberg. Look out for the white horse symbol which is the trade mark and guarantee of genuine Schilcher.

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Vienna

• Vienna (704 hectares)

For centuries Viennese vineyards catered mainly for the inhabitants of the capital. The tradition of the Heurige goes back to the early Middle Ages, more specifically to the time of Charlemagne.

In 1156, when the Babenberg Duke Henry II Jasornirgott moved his residence to Vienna, the city experienced a period of strong economic growth which favoured the growing of wine. Later in the Middle Ages Vienna's third and fourth districts were almost exclusively covered with vineyards. Monasteries and nobles devoted much of their time to viticulture and built wine cellars where people could drink the wine in the inner city, some of them are still in existence today (Melker Keller, Esterhazy Keller).
Although the number of vineyards has decreased since the Middle Ages, the wines of Vienna are recognised for their duality not only within the city. but even outside Austria.

There are laws safeguarding the existence of Vienna`s vineyards. The main areas in which they are found are in the Northwest and the North (Grinzing. Nussdorf, Sievering, Neustift. Stammersdorf Strebersdorf and Jedlersdorf) as well as in the South (Mauer, Oberlaa). 88.5 % of the vineyards produce white wine, although some important red wines are grown as well.

The main white wine varieties are: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Riesling x Sylvaner, Welschriesling, Neuburger and Traminer. Chardonnay was introduced into Vienna's vineyards not long ago and is increasingly cultivated. Excellent areas for growing Riesling and Pinot varieties stretch out from Dobling (site of the famous Nussberg) to Bisamberg and Kahlenbergerdorf.

In over a third of the vineyards, different vines are cultivated side by side and the grapes are picked and pressed together ("Gemischter Satz"). This has been traditional practice in Vienna for many centuries.

While all of Viennas vineyards profit from the warm Pannonian climate, some of them are further influenced by the Danube's mitigating effect. Viennese wines can be anything from light and fruity to powerful and robust, some of which can be stored for a long time.

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