1. Wine Guide
2. -
3. Wine Regions
4. -
5. Austria

• Niederösterreich

• Wein

• Burgenland

• Steiermark

• Niederösterreich

  

  An Introduction to Niederösterreich

  Niederösterreich is the largest wine growing area in Austria. It consists of eight specific regions: Wachau, Traisental, Kamptal, Kremstal, Wagram, Weinvertel, Thermenregion and Carnuntum, which have a combined total of more than 8,200 wine producers and are home to some of Austria’s famous vineyards. Two thirds of the area under vine is taken up by white grape varietals, nearly half of which is the nation’s flagship Grüner Veltliner, although the region is also capable of producing some impressive, fruit-driven reds as well.

  Climate and Geography

  For picturesque wine villages, look no further than the sub-regions of Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental and Wagram, each situated along their own tributary of the River Danube. Most of the wine produced here is either Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, and it’s the area’s natural fluctuating temperatures and long vegetation cycles that give the wines their fresh aromas and ripeness. Further to the west of the region the soil tends to be rockier, which is suitable for the production of Riesling. As you make your way east however, you will predominately find loess soil, which is perfect for making creamy and rich Grüner Veltliner.

  Weinviertel, the largest sub-region with its own microclimate, is on the same latitude as the Champagne region in France. Soils of the region vary, from limestone cliffs to the north to the more loess heavy soils in the south and south east. This area primarily focuses on producing fresh and peppery Grüner Veltliner, which has a more rustic aroma and character than those found along the river Danube.

  Thermenregion and Carnuntum fall within the Pannonian area, to the south and south east of the Austrian capital, Vienna (Wien). This is where Austrian reds start to take centre stage, as the warmer climate allows for more rounded wines with fuller body. The diverse Thermenregion, with its predominately loamy soils, is home to some of the nation’s more obscure grape varieties. Here you’ll find impressive, fine reds such as the region’s speciality St. Laurent, as well as full-bodied white wines of the Zierflander and Rotgipfler varietals. Carnuntum, with its rolling hills, boasts soils consisting mostly of dense loam, loess and sandy gravel, providing the perfect production grounds for elegant red wines of Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt.

  

  Red Varieties

  Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Blauburger, Blauer Portugieser

  

  White Varieties

  Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Welschriesling, Müller-Thurgau (Rivaner)

  

  Climate

  Cool, continental, dry

  

  Landscape

  Hilly, riverside locations

  

  Soil

  Loess

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• Wein

  

  An Introduction to Wein (Vienna)

  The cultural city of Wien (or Vienna as it’s more commonly known) has around 700 hectares of vineyards and 155 wineries inside its borders. The majority of its vineyards are situated towards the north, however there are still a few within the city’s centre and to the south as well.  Around 80% of the vineyards in Vienna are used to grow white wines, with a lot of winegrowers proudly producing the city’s speciality blend, Wiener Gemischter Satz. This is a preserved Austrian tradition, which involves the planting, harvesting and processing of at least 3 quality white grape varieties together. Common grape varieties used include Austria’s flagship Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling & Traminer. In 2013, Wiener Gemischter Satz achieved legally protected DAC status, helping it gain worldwide recognition.

  Climate and Geography

  In the north of the region, from Kahlenbergerdorf where the river Danube enters the city, over to Pötzleinsdorf and Hernals towards the north west, many of the above mentioned white grape varieties grow on the slopes of varied limestone-rich soil. The Gemischter Satz produced from these grapes is fresh and crisp, with delightful notes of green fruit. The Danube River almost steadies the hot summers and cold winters of Vienna’s continental climate, with the cool air coming down from the north. In the southern parts of the city, the slightly warmer climate in combination with the rendzina and black earth soils create ideal conditions for producing luxury reds, with significant body and power.

  

  Red Varieties

  Pinot Noir, Zweigelt

  

  White Varieties

  Grüner Veltliner, Gemischter Satz, Riesling

  

  Climate

  Continental

  

  Landscape

  Hilly, riverside locations

  

  Soil

  Mineral-rich limestone

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• Burgenland

  

  An Introduction to Burgenland

  Along the lower half of Austria’s eastern border is the wine producing area known as Burgenland, the second largest region in terms of wine production behind Niederösterreich. Within its boundaries are the five wine-growing regions of Eisenberg, Leithaberg, Mittelburgenland, Neusiedlersee and Rosalia – all of which have their own appellation (referred to as DAC in Austria) marking quality region-typical wine. Red grapes occupy the vast majority of vineyards in this region and you’ll generally find the wines get bolder towards the south. Austria actually has a thriving red wine scene and Burgenland is right at the heart of it, fuelled by the sunny summers of the continental, Pannonian climate. The key red varieties of the region include Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt, although sweet dessert wines are also a regional speciality!

  Climate and Geography

  Burgenland is the key red-wine producing region in Austria, reaping the benefits of the warm Pannonian climate to produce fruit-driven reds with signature spice. The key red varietals used here are Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt, for which you can find more full bodied examples the further South you look. For exceptional full-bodied and structured reds, try something from Mittleburgenland (middle Burgenland). Here, many of the vineyards benefit from mountain-shelter to the north, west and south, thus encapsulating warm air coming in from the east and providing ideal growing conditions for deep, fruity wine.

  Between the DAC regions of Leithaberg and Neusiedlersee is another hugely important geographical feature, Lake Neusiedl. This large body of water helps to moderate the warm Pannonian climate, storing warmth in the summer and extending growing season into the Autumn. Not only does this allow for delightfully ripe grapes, but also provides the distinct climate and humidity required for noble rot in the Autumn. The remarkable nobly-sweet wines produced around Lake Neusiedl are up there as some of the best in the world.

  

  Red Varieties

  Blackfrankisch, St Laurent, Zweigelt, Merlot

  

  White Varieties

  Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc

  

  Climate

  Warm, Continental

  

  Landscape

  Hilly, lakes

  

  Soil

  Loam, slate

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• Steiermark

  

  An Introduction to Steiermark

  The most southern of the four generic wine producing regions is Steiermark (Styria). With around 4,600ha of vineyards, this is a relatively small region compared to its Eastern neighbour, Burgenland. White grape varietals of Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc tend to dominate, occupying around 43% of the total area under vine and flourishing in the optimal wine-producing conditions. Steiermark is separated into three specific wine-growing regions, Südsteiermark (South Styria), Vulkanland Steiermark and Weststeiermark (West Styria), all of which have their own DAC appellation.

  Climate and Geography

  South Styria (Südsteiermark) consists of some remarkable viticultural conditions, with its charming scenery of picturesque steep hills making for incredibly difficult wine growing terrain. Despite this, winemakers still manage to produce the regions signature fresh and fragrant Sauvignon Blanc in the marl soils, aided by the Mediterranean climate and cool nights. West Styria (Weststeiermark) on the other hand is a much smaller wine region in terms of size and output. The speciality here is a rosé wine known as Stilcher, which boasts red berry notes and is brimming with lively acidity. This pink vino is made from Blauer Wildbacher grapes which cover two thirds of the total vineyard area for Weststeiermark, most of which are situated at the base of large hills where they are protected from heavy winds.

  Wines from Vulkanland Steiermark, or volcanic land Styria, are renowned for their characteristic mineral spice, which they take from the long-extinct volcanoes upon which 1,500ha of vineyards are situated. The rich and fertile slopes of volcanic basalt, sand and loam soils can reach elevations of up to 600m and make ideal production grounds for Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. The area falls under the Illyric climate, a transitional zone between the warm and dry Pannonian climate and the humid Mediterranean climate, which combined with the hilly geography provides vastly diurnal temperatures, giving wines their wonderful aromas and crisp acidity.

  

  Red Varieties

  Wildbacher, Zweigelt

  

  White Varieties

  Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc

  

  Climate

  Warm, mediterranean

  

  Landscape

  Hills, valleys

  

  Soil

  Sandstone, rocky

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