Austria

Bordered by Hungary and the Czech Republic, the wine lands of Austria are celebrated for their energetic, precise white wines and characterful reds. The famous regional triangle of Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal lead the charge, but many other small regions are snapping at their heels. Riesling and Grüner Veltliner are the kings here, but many other varieties are permitted, including Weissburgunger (Pinot Blanc), Welschriesling, and Chardonnay in the whites, and Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in the reds. Wine styles run on a similar basis to the German wine classification, with the exception of the Wachau, which has three additional classifications for dry wines increasing in richness in the following order Steinfeder, Federspeil and Smaragd.

• Key Varieties: Blaufränkisch, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Weissburgunger (Pinot Blanc), Welschriesling, and Zweigelt.
• Climate: Primarily continental, with Mediterranean influences in part. The Eastern part of Austria enjoys hot summers, mild winters and a growing season characterised by low rainfall.
• Soil: Various throughout the different regions, including clay, fertile loess, gneiss, loam, sand, and slate.
• Did You Know: Vines grow right into the suburbs of Vienna.