The Ultimate Austrian Wineguide 2022/23

 AUSTRIA’S GRAPE

 AUSTRIA’S GRAPE VARIETIES SCHEUREBE Synonym: Sämling 88 This variety is a cross of Riesling and an unknown variety, but not Silvaner as was once suspected. In terms of quality, this is perhaps the most successful of all the German crossings and was developed by Dr. Scheu in 1916. The variety is valued in Burgenland for noble sweet wines and in Styria for light, dry, crisp wines. Despite its quality, the variety is currently declining. It makes little demand on soil, but high demand on location. The Scheurebe matures late and provides moderate yields. Scheurebe wines are usually golden-yellow, have a subtle, aromatic bouquet, and exhibit elegant acidity and body. 30 _ Years Welschriesling liner places moderate demands on soil, but high demands on location, requiring warm, south ern hillside aspects. It is sensitive to frost and yields are unreliable. Roter Veltliner matures late. The wine is greenish-yellow, fruity and fragrant, with a subtle spicy aroma, and often exhibits racy acidity. SAUVIGNON BLANC In its present form, this variety probably comes from the south of France where it has been documented since the first half of the 18th century. It originates from a Traminer crossing, but seems to have developed from a preliminary stage. It is most common in Styria, but due to its general popularity is now planted in all regions. The name “Muskat-Sylvaner” was permitted until 1999. The variety places high demands on location and thrives on fertile, not overly dry soils. High humidity is important. It brings moderate, irregular yields and is sensitive to winter frost. The wine exhibits a green ish yellow colour and its grassy spiciness reminiscent of fresh bell peppers evolves into aromas of asparagus, elderflower and cassis at high stages of maturity. Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant, refreshing wine with racy structure and inimitable, stimulating character. The variety is suit able for medium-term ageing. More potent wines are sometimes vinified in new oak. WEISSBURGUNDER Synonym: Pinot Blanc, Klevner Burgundy is considered to be the home of this highly acclaimed variety as it was documented there in the 14th century. Pinot is quite prone to mutation and its different colour variations, – Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir – all have a very similar genetic fingerprint. Weissburgunder is mainly planted throughout Austria’s wine regions and makes up 4.3 % of the vineyard area. This noble variety is demanding of location and soil, requiring plenty of nutrients and sufficient moisture. It is sensitive to late frost, and yields reliably and consistently. When allowed to gain full maturity, Weissburgunder develops into a white wine rich in substance with a sub tle, almond flavour and racy acidity. The variety, internationally known as Pinot Blanc, usually develops very well in the bot tle. Due to its discreet character, it is also suitable for blends with other varieties and for fermentation and/or maturation in new, small oak barrels. WELSCHRIESLING The different interpretations of its origin point towards Italy and France. Welschriesling makes up 7.8% of Austrian vineyards and is the country’s second most important white grape variety behind Grüner Veltliner (29.4 %). The variety is planted predominantly in Burgenland and Nie derösterreich, but it is also very popular in Steiermark. The vine requires deep, warm soils, rich in nutrients and places high demands on its location. © WSNA The ambassador of an entire region. ERSTE LAGEN WINES SINGLE VINEYARDS VILLAGE WINES REGIONAL WINES www.carnuntum.com 22 falstaff WINE GUIDE 2022/23 23