Austrian winegrowing regions are often described as nature parks. During the day, visitors will encounter growers and their teams tending the vineyards, while in the evenings and on weekends, locals take to the carefully cultivated landscapes for exercise or leisurely strolls in the fresh air. Along the way, they enjoy breathtaking views framed by lush shrubbery, numerous fruit trees and colourful floral borders, which also provide valuable habitats for a rich variety of wildlife. This scenery is an integral part of the wine experience, something that passionate wine lovers savour much like they relish a glass of fine Austrian wine.
Adventure in the glass
Start by enjoying a glass of wine from Niederösterreich (Lower Austria). Its flavours tell the story of picturesque river valleys, the mighty waters of the Danube River, the ancient shores of a primordial sea, the majestic Stift Klosterneuburg, excavation sites of Roman ruins and the unique thermal currents in the south of Vienna created by geologic fault lines. A glass of wine from Burgenland immediately evokes the vast Neusiedlersee, the wooded ridges of the Leitha Range and the gently rolling hills of the Oberpullendorf Basin, which become more pronounced further south, adorned with small winegrowers’ cottages known as Kellerstöckl. A wine from Steiermark (Styria), on the other hand, conjures up images of lush greenery, undulating hills and a distinctly Mediterranean influence. Each glass of wine reflects a unique vineyard landscape and the winegrower’s vision of how a wine from its particular terroir ought to taste.
Beyond mass production
The intimate structure of Austria’s vineyards not only promotes biodiversity but also makes mass production impossible from the outset. However, in a wine culture deeply rooted in tradition and a profound understanding of nature, this is not a goal in the first place. Instead, Austria’s winegrowers are dedicated to expressing the distinctive character of grape and terroir in their wines. Many are committed to preserving rare, indigenous grape varieties such as Roter Veltliner, Rotgipfler, Zierfandler, Neuburger or Blauer Wildbacher – vines that are gaining popularity alongside Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. The trust that Austrian wine enjoys internationally extends to a growing interest in these rare heritage varieties. A glass of Austrian wine offers something exceptional and valuable – cultivated and vinified with passion and dedication.
All the grape varieties mentioned above are native to Austria and enjoy EU-protected designations of origin, which you can always spot by the red-white-red capsule tops and the official Qualitätswein confirmation number on the label.
To delve deeper into the subject, visit austrianvineyards.com
