Austrian Wines!

Written By Sean Leary

We’re celebrating Austrian Wine Week here at Leary’s, so check out this brief guide to this unique country and its noble grapes!

Austria’s Wine Regions: A Crash Course

Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)

Despite it’s name, Lower Austria is in the Northern part of the country. The “Lower” in Lower Austria refers to the fact that is relatively more flat and less alpine than the rest of the country!

Lower Austria is most famous for growing Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, and Riesling. Anything from Kamptal, Kremstal, Wachau, or Wagram is from Lower Austria alongside the Danube and Kamp rivers!

Burgenland

Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedlersee, and thus experiences the wonderful “Lake Effect” and the subsequent longer growing season due to the retained warmth of the lake.

Check out Burgenland for Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Sankt Laurent. Otherwise, Burgenland is host to great expressions of French varietals, like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside some Hungarian varietals like Furmint!

Grape Varietals to Explore

  • Grüner Veltliner - Austria’s most important grape varietal can be produced in a large diversity of styles. Most commonly, “Grüner” is light bodied, high acid, herbaceous, and peppery. Definitely a must-try if you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc!

  • Blaufränkisch - A rich, pepper, black-fruit filled wine that is a perfect companion to any type of cuisine. It’s distantly related to Gamay, and wines produced from Blaufränkisch carry a “zippy” acidity, medium+ alcohol, and medium+ tannin.

  • Riesling - An aromatic, high acid, white varietal with a variety of styles from “bone-dry” with low residual sugar, to sweeter “off-dry” and dessert wines. Expect notes of lime, green apple, florals, and petrol/kerosene.

Sean Leary