Austrian basics

Question 1

What is Zweigelt?

Answer 1

Blaufränkisch x St. Laurent crossing developed in Austria in 1922.

Question 2

Austrian wine law defines three levels of quality as what?

Answer 2

Wein, Landwein, and Qualitätswein. Qualitätswein, the highest caliber of quality and regional specificity in Austria, is sourced from a single Weinbaugebiete or one of the 16 smaller wine regions and may be produced from one or more of 35 permitted grapes. Qualitätswein, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of Austria’s total production, must pass a tasting panel and chemical analysis, indicated by a State Control Number (Prüfnummer) and the inclusion of the red and white banderole on the bottle’s capsule.

Question 3

What does DAC stand for?

Answer 3

Districtus Austriae Controllatus

Question 4

Instead of the typical Prädikatswein hierarchy, producers in the Wachau have developed their own categories of classification. What are they?

Answer 4

Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd.

Question 5

Define Steinfeder

Answer 5

Steinfeder (a local grass found in the vineyards) is the lightest style, with a minimum must weight of 15° KMW and a maximum alcohol of 11.5%

Question 6

Define Federspiel

Answer 6

Federspiel (a falconer’s tool) has a minimum must weight of 17° KMW and a final alcohol range of 11.5%-12.5%

Question 7

Define Smaragd

Answer 7

Smaragd (an emerald lizard who basks on the terraces) has a minimum alcohol of 12.5% and a minimum must weight of 19° KMW—the approximate equivalent of 95° Öchsle, or Spätlese ripeness.

Question 8

Key producers of the Kamptal

Answer 8

Schloss Gobelsberg, Bründlmayer, Brandl, Hirsch, Hiedler

Question 9

Key producers of the Kremstal

Answer 9

Stadt Krems, Nigl

Question 10

Key producers of the Wachau

Answer 10

Emmerich Knoll, Franz Hirtzberger, Rudi Pichler, FX Pichler, Prager