From the Danube to Styria: Discovering Austria's Wine Excellence
Prädikat & DAC focused
Wine school founded
Dr. Fritz Zweigelt's cross
Crisis leads to reform
World's strictest controls
Österreichische Traditionsweingüter
Regional typicity focus
Styria leads the way
Premium positioning
Austria's largest wine region - 28,000 hectares
The grand cru of Austrian wine. Steep terraced vineyards along the Danube with primary rock soils (gneiss, granite). Uses own classification system, not DAC.
Dynamic region with diverse soils. Mix of loess, primary rock, and gravel. Home to Austria's largest vineyard (Heiligenstein).
Important DACs and emerging areas
Austria's red wine country - 13,000 hectares
Shallow steppe lake creates humidity for noble rot. Also produces full-bodied reds. DAC for Zweigelt and Zweigelt-based blends.
The heartland of Austria's signature red grape. DAC exclusively for Blaufränkisch with Klassik and Reserve tiers.
Diverse terroirs and styles
Austria's answer to Friuli - 5,000 hectares
Steep slopes with Mediterranean influence. Austria's most picturesque wine region producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc and other aromatics.
Distinctive sub-regions with unique character
The only capital city with significant wine production - 700 hectares
700 hectares within city limits. Famous Heuriger (wine tavern) tradition. Unique field blend requirement for Gemischter Satz.
From signature Grüner Veltliner to indigenous rarities
Austria's most planted grape (33% of vineyards) and cultural ambassador. Only grown in Austria and neighboring regions. Incredibly versatile from light and peppery to rich and age-worthy.
The noble variety
Styrian star
Unique to Austria
Best Regions: Carnuntum, Neusiedlersee
Character: Soft tannins, food-friendly
Best Regions: Mittelburgenland, Eisenberg
Character: Black pepper, dark fruit, iron
Focus: Orange wines, wild ferments
Movement: Leading natural wine region
Style: Minimal intervention, personality
Recognition: International acclaim
Gemütlichkeit at the table - where Austrian wine tradition meets culinary excellence
From Heuriger to haute cuisine
| German Term | English | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trocken | Dry | Up to 9g/l residual sugar |
| Halbtrocken | Off-dry | Up to 18g/l residual sugar |
| Erste Lage | First/Grand cru | ÖTW classified vineyard |
| Ried | Single vineyard | Named vineyard site |
| Alte Reben | Old vines | Usually 35+ years |
| Reserve | Reserve | Min 13% alcohol, aged |
| Klassik | Classic | Light, fresh style |
| Weingut | Wine estate | Winery/producer |
| Buschenschank | Wine tavern | Farm restaurant |
| Jungwein | Young wine | Current vintage |
2019: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent, balanced, classic vintage
2020: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Warm but balanced, ripe wines
2021: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cool, challenging, elegant wines
2022: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hot, early harvest, ripe styles
2023: ⭐⭐⭐ Variable, careful selection needed
Top collectible Austrian wines with aging potential
| Style | Region | Specific Bottle | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light White | Weinviertel | Huber "Hugo" Grüner Veltliner | $9 |
| Classic White | Kamptal | Loimer "Lois" Grüner Veltliner | $12 |
| Mineral White | Kremstal | Stadt Krems Grüner Veltliner | $13 |
| Aromatic White | Südsteiermark | Gross & Gross Sauvignon Blanc | $15 |
| Riesling | Wachau | Domäne Wachau Terrassen Federspiel | $18 |
| Orange Wine | Styria | Werlitsch "Ex Vero I" | $28 |
| Light Red | Carnuntum | Markowitsch Zweigelt | $14 |
| Serious Red | Mittelburgenland | Moric Blaufränkisch | $20 |
| Gemischter Satz | Vienna | Christ Wiener Gemischter Satz | $14 |
| Natural Wine | Burgenland | Gut Oggau "Theodora" | $35 |
| Sweet | Neusiedlersee | Kracher Cuvée Spätlese | $25 |
| Icon | Wachau | F.X. Pichler Riesling Smaragd | $80 |