Wine General Discussion

To conclude the spotlight on Austria, let’s have a look at common styles of still wines with the resources from Austrian Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School Community. This content has been covered in previous posts, but here you can find an overview of what to look for in your exploration of Austrian wines.

🟡White wines - classic and refreshing

Austria’s classic white wines are described as fresh, with fine acidity, elegance, strong character and medium-bodied structure. The following examples fit in this category:

• Wachau's specific regional wine style categories Steinfeder and Federspiel (these terms are only used in Wachau and are often indicated on the label)

• Weinviertel DAC, Traisental DAC, Kremstal DAC, and Kamptal DAC wines, including spicy Welschriesling, fresh Riesling, elegant Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay (called Morillon in Steiermark)

• Junger Österreicher young wines - the first of a year’s new vintage…

As we’re wrapping up the spotlight on Austria, let’s explore a few lesser-known topics and wine styles with the resources from Austrian Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School Community.

🍾Sparkling wines:

• Austrian wine laws distinguish between Austrian Sekt and Sekt Austria PDO.

• Austrian sekt can be produced from grapes or base wines sourced anywhere (including imports) using any sparkling winemaking methods.

• Sekt Austria is a protected designation of origin (PDO) established in 2015 and must meet strict criteria. Only varieties approved for the production of Qualitätswein are allowed.

• There are 3 levels of this designation - Sekt Austria PDO/ PDO Reserve / PDO Große Reserve.

We continue the Wines of the World Series with a spotlight on Austria. In June, we’ve been exploring key regions and wine styles with resources from Austrian Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School Community.

📖 Bergland key facts:

• It has 243 ha under vine.*

• It is a designated area spanning across five federal states, located outside Austria’s primary wine regions.

• Wines are usually produced as Landwein (PGI).

• Wines made from grapes originating from a single federal state can also be classified as Qualitӓtswein if specific conditions are met.

We continue the Wines of the World Series with a spotlight on Austria. In June, we’ll explore key regions and wine styles with resources from Austrian Wine, who have generously agreed to share their content with the Berlin Wine School Community. 📖Vienna key facts:

• Vienna has 588 ha under vine.*

• It is considered the world's only capital with commercially significant vineyards within the city limits.

• Vineyards are situated on the hill slopes surrounding the city.

• Climate influence and soils vary by location, providing diversity for winegrowing and winemaking.

• 84% of wine produced is white, 16% is red.