Rosé From Deep to Bright: Austria’s Colour of the Moment

Pink, in all its nuances, is the current colour du jour in the Austrian wine world. More and more winegrowers are exploring the potential of this once underestimated wine category –both still and sparkling.

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Rosé sets the tone for summer dining in Austria. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto Photography)
Rosé sets the tone for summer dining in Austria. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto Photography)

The past decade has brought a durable positive shift in Austria’s perception of rosé wine. Initially, it was just a handful of producers who began to explore the sensory breadth of rosé with increasingly exciting expressions – supported by open-minded critics and wine enthusiasts who recognised the emergence of a new movement. Eventually, the hospitality industry began to appreciate these efforts – and above all, the results – paving the way for rosé’s new success story.

Three varieties in focus

Austria’s winegrowing regions offer diverse terroirs for rosé, spanning multiple climate zones and encouraging a wide range of styles. In addition, the country boasts three native grape varieties – Zweigelt, Sankt Laurent and Blaufränkisch – that impress tasters with their fine fruit aromas and great potential. And of course, these are complemented by international varieties such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
 

From islands and enclaves

As Austria’s largest winegrowing region, Niederösterreich has much to offer in the rosé category. In Carnuntum and the Thermenregion, red grape varieties have long played a central role and now also deliver joy in multiple shades of pink. 

The Weinviertel, best known for Grüner Veltliner, also features numerous red wine ‘islands’ – microclimates where Zweigelt, in particular, shines as a crisp and fresh rosé. Similarly, one will find vibrant pink wines –sometimes even orange wines – in regions such as Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram and the Wachau.

Tradition as a DAC origin

In Burgenland, winegrowers vinify outstanding rosés from the red wine powerhouses Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. In the Rosalia region, rosé has even earned DAC status and must be made exclusively from Blaufränkisch. In the Steiermark, the local variety Blauer Wildbacher has enjoyed DAC status for many years as Schilcher – a refreshing specialty of the Weststeiermark with deep regional roots.

A perfect pairing: Cheese and sparkling rosé. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto Photography)
A perfect pairing: Cheese and sparkling rosé. (Photo: ÖWM/Carletto Photography)

To delve deeper into the subject, visit austrianvineyards.com

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