Austrian Wines
Historical evidence leads us to believe that the original Austrian vineyards were planted in Traisental over 4000 years ago. Bordering Hungary, Germany and Italy, Austria has a cool continental climate which is heavily influenced by the neighboring Alps. Austrian wines have enjoyed recent international success thanks to the dry white wines made from the indigenous grape variety Grüner Veltliner. This spicy white grape accounts for more than a third of Austria’s total acreage under vine according to our Austria Wine Guide. Other white grape varieties that are used are Riesling, Welschriesling, [Müller-Thurgau] and Weisser Burgunder. About 30% of the total Austrian wine production comes from the red varieties Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. There are six DAC (comparable to AOC in France) regions within Austria however it is still the Gruner Veltliner and Riesling wines from Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal that are the most revered according to our Austria Wine Ratings. See our Austria Wine Guide below for a more detailed reviews and ratings on the wines of Austria.
Bründlmayer 2005 Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben Riesling (Kamptal)
- Editors' Choice
The purest Riesling flavors are to be found in this great wine. At this stage, it is still very tight and closed up, but there is so much leashed power there, along with complex hints of fruits, minerals and exotic perfumes. Give it at least five years, and it will begin to slowly evolve.
— R.V.
(10/1/2006)
Ernst Triebaumer 1999 Ruster Ausbruch Essenz White (Neusiedlersee-Hügelland)
- $167
This is just liquid honey, with a touch of lemon. It is so smooth and with nuts and lemon peel. Sweet, rich and balanced. Delicious, with a crisp aftertaste.
— R.V.
(2/1/2007)
Kracher 2004 Zwischen den Seen Trockenbeerenauslese Nummer 7 Welschriesling (Neusiedlersee)
- $83
So maybe Welschriesling is not the same as real Riesling, but this wine certainly has all the pure acidity and freshly perfumed character of one. It is a wine for the purist: refined and elegant, with white fruits giving a lift to the finish.
— R.V.
(2/1/2007)
Franz Hirtzberger 2006 Singerriedel Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $88
Tight, taut and mineral, tense and concentrated. There is intense acidity and a touch of spice, but this is all about structure and suppressed fruit. Keep this wine at least until 2010.
— R.V.
(5/1/2008)
Josef Jamek 2006 Jochinger Berg Federspiel Riesling (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $34
Jamek’s flagship wine is as fine as ever. There is some botrytis here, but this is not a sweet wine, rather one that shows vibrant fruit, great minerality and structure. It walks a tightrope between superripeness and freshness. With its structure, it should age for 10 years or more.
— R.V.
(5/1/2008)
Prager 2006 Klaus Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $61
This is pure mineral, beautifully structured with intensely perfumed white currant flavors. The fruit is ripe and elegant featuring flavors of pears, a shot of lime and an overall acidity. Could age for years.
— R.V.
(5/1/2008)
F X Pichler 2006 Loibner Steinertal Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
- Cellar Selection
- $65
The extreme eastern vineyard of the Wachau is a stony valley, giving an extreme wine, all mineral and cool, poised fruit even in a warm year like 2006. Yes, there are pears and currant fruit flavors, but the wine goes more towards the lime and salt, to fit with its austere structure. Age for at least 10 years.
— R.V.
(5/1/2008)
F X Pichler 2006 Dürnsteiner Kellerberg Smaragd Riesling (Wachau)
- Editors' Choice
- $88
Superbly opulent, almost indecently rich, a wine that is just held in check by its acidity and freshness. Tropical fruits, pineapple and sweet acidity are layered with some steeliness. The finish is ravishing.
— R.V.
(5/1/2008)
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