Party wines from Austria

Party wines from Austria

The Christmas traditions there are just a bit more distinctive, and so are the wines. We tip a few for the festive season. But maybe you're already there yourself? Because in winter, you just have to hike, ski, do a city break (Vienna!) and wine tasting there.
Text: Marjolein Schuman | Image: Pexels

Every country has traditions, but in Austria a few things stand out. For instance, presents are not given by Father Christmas or St Nicholas, but by the baby Jesus, who enters through the keyhole. And at the time-honoured Perchtenlopen in Tyrol and Salzburgenland, you are startled by terrifying figures in animal skins who chase away winter spirits with a lot of noise. By the way, Austrian kitchens host elaborate sessions of Christmas biscuit baking, and the tradition of displaying nativity scenes at home also dates back to 1782. But most of all, the nature- and culture-rich country looks forward to the elaborate Christmas meal during which those fine local wines are poured.

Quality sparkling wine

A meal starts with bubbles, of course, and that is Austrian sekt. Here, usually made according to the traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle. You drink the wine as an aperitif, with seafood or lighter meat dishes. Other light styles of white with fresh acidity also go well with it. At Christmas, carp is popular as a main course, and for meat-eaters Christmas goose. A sumptuous GrĂ¼ner Veltliner suits both. So does a fruity red wine, which is best slightly chilled. The authentic red wines can be paired with different types of meat dishes. There are 18 Austrian wine-growing regions whose terroir seeps into the flavour. You can even taste the hand of the artisan winemaker. A wine with some wood ageing can give cold evenings a sultry atmosphere.

Sweet wine with dessert

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