Oh, Austria

Oh, Austria

The land of snow-capped peaks and cool lakes is also the land of fresh wines like Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Sounds a bit cold perhaps, but they are precisely heart-warming flavours offered to us by Austrian winemakers. Especially now. We want to smell spring in the glass. Grass, flowers, herbs of The Alpine Meadow. - TEXT MARJOLEIN SCHUMAN | IMAGE PEXELS.COM

Oh, Austria

Did you know that Austria accounts for only 1 per cent of the world's wine production? But the little there is is top quality. To taste Austria, we have come up with the following: three bottles from the three major wine regions to take home for yourself. All three from 2019, because young vintages have a certain impetuosity in them. Besides, the 2019 vintage was a very good one - and according to our contacts in Austria, the 2020 vintage is just as promising! Will you let us know what you all tasted?

NIEDERÖSTERREICH (28,145 HECTARES OF VINEYARD)

WEIXELBAUM, GRÜNER VELTLINER RIED STANGL KAMPTAL DAC | WINEFAIR.CO.UK | €11.40
Grüner Veltliner is the pride of Austria and after tasting this wine from its region of origin Kamptal, you'll know why: rich, layered and concentrated with exotic fruit, salty minerals and a subtle touch of pepper, according to Wijnbeurs's tasting panel. Delicious with Vietnamese food, gravad lax (marinated salmon), and of course: Wiener Schnitzel.

BURGENLAND (13,100 HECTARES OF VINEYARDS)

HEINRICH, NAKED WHITE | BURGENLAND DEGOUDENTON.NL | € 15.95
An invigorating blend of chardonnay, grüner veltliner, muscat, neuburger, pinot blanc and welschriesling. Like grüner veltliner, neuburger is one of the autochthonous grape varieties Austria is so proud of and can reflect the local terroir so well. This natural wine goes naturally with food such as fried trout with parsley potatoes.

STEIERMARK (4,633 HECTARES OF VINEYARD)

WOHLMUTH, SAUVIGNON BLANC RIED STEINRIEGL SÜDSTEIERMARK DAC | WINEINBLACK.CO.UK | €21.95
The Wohlmut family's vineyard (Ried) is steep, has slate soil, and enjoys warm days and cool nights. Just right for the sauvignon grapes to develop super aromas. This wine was awarded 98 points by Wine Enthusiast for its freshness and depth. With flavours of candied lime, grapefruit zest, citrus leaf, nettle and angelica.

 

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