Austria Flashcards
Describe Austria’s wine laws.
DAC: All producers in the region must agree on the variety, style, and regulations
If all agree, they are awarded DAC status
PDO wines can be Qualitatswein or DAC
Qualitatswein and Pradikat levels are same as for Germany
What does Ausbruch mean?
Pradikat level unique to Austria (i.e. not used in Germany)
Sweetness is between BA and TBA
What does Struhwein/Schilfwein mean?
Pradikat level unique to Austria (i.e. not used in Germany)
Grapes laid on beds of straw to dry during winter
Describe Austria’s climate and vineyards
Cool, continental climate
Short summers, harsh winters
Less variation in annual weather than Northern Europe
Vineyards are in East part of country
Describe the region of Niederosterreich in Austria.
Largest for production and export
8 sub-regions
Wachau: High quality wines, but not a DAC
Grapes: Gruner Vetliner, Riesling
Weinviertal: Largest growing area, first DAC
Grape: Gruner Veltiner (always)
Describe the region of Burgenland in Austria.
On border with Hungary
Known for high quality sweet wines
Shallow lake in the North has ideal conditions for Botrytis
Welschriesling is very common
Red wines come from higher ground, away from the lake
Zweigelt is most common
Describe wines made from Zweigelt.
Mix of Blaufrankish and St. Laurent
Most widely planted black variety
Deep red color, soft tannins, bramble fruit
Describe wines made from Blaufrankish.
Most highly regarded black variety
Med tannins, high acid, peppery sour cherry
Describe wines made from St. Laurent.
Similar to Pinot Noir
Oak ageing common
Sometimes blended with international varieties
Describe wines made from Gruner Veltliner.
Most widely planed grape
Fermented in stainless steel or old oak
When young: Citrus, stone fruit, white pepper
When aged: Honey, toast, fully body, high acid, concentrated
Describe wines made from Welshriesling.
Second most planted white grape
Dry, green fruit, citrus, high acid
Fresh but simple
Can also be used for botrytis wines
