• Blaufränkisch Aging Potential: What To Expect - zoom on a bottle of 1887

    Blaufränkisch Aging Potential: What To Expect

    As in so many wine regions, there is a new generation that wants to do things a little differently, as the 2020 and 2021 examples from Claus Preisinger that we tasted at the Summit showed most dramatically, thanks to early-picked grapes and fashionable amphora ageing. These wines were much paler than most, having had only a few days’ contact with the grape skins in the fermentation vat, and they seemed already approachable. An increasing number of Blaufränkisch wines are beginning to be made like this but they are routinely rejected by the tasting panels, which, throughout Austria, are notoriously inflexible in the styles they allow to carry an official appellation…

  • bunch of red grapes on a vine

    Exploring The Terroir Of Burgenland For Blaufränkisch

    In our beginner’s guide to Blaufränkisch, we talked about Blaufränkisch being well spread across Central Europe, but it really felt at home in Burgenland. Why? Because of Burgenland’s terroir. First, just a little reminder : the vine needs FIVE elements to produce the wine. Heat is fundamental. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis (production of glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water). Finally, the nutrients that the vine will draw from the soil will promote its growth and the ripening of the grapes. And the combination of all this is what, we, French people, call terroir. So what makes the terroir of Burgenland so special? Let’s find out! The Significance…

  • me sitting at a table with a bottle of balufränkisch wine

    A Beginner’s Guide To Blaufränkisch Wine

    Blaufränkisch, my favourite grape variety in Austria! You can definitely see me smiling up there, knowing I’ll soon be enjoying a Blaufränkisch wine! So let me tell you all I know about this grape variety. Blaufränkisch was first mentioned in 1862 at a wine exhibition in Vienna under the name Lemberger, but it was not officially renamed Blaufränkisch until 1875. The name Blaufränkisch literally means “blue Frankish,” and it is thought to have been given to the grape variety because it was considered to be a superior quality wine grape. Blaufränkisch is grown in many countries, including Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and Bulgaria. It is known by different names in…

  • Where To Drink Wine With A View In The Austrian Alps? - phoot of ice Q bar in Solden

    Where To Drink Wine With A View In The Austrian Alps?

    Picture this: you, enjoying a glass of refreshing Grüner Veltliner, surrounded by the breathtaking Austrian Alps. It’s not just a dream; it’s a reality waiting for you in this magical European destination. The Austrian Alps aren’t just a haven for skiing and hiking; they’re there for you to enjoy a glass of wine too! They’re a part of winemaking history in Austria. The combination of high altitude, clear mountain air, and fertile soil provides an exceptional environment for growing grapes with intense flavors and distinct character. Selecting the Perfect Spot: Criteria for the Best Wine with a View Choosing the right place for a memorable wine experience in the Austrian…

  • two people clinging glasses of white wine together

    When To Visit Wachau Vineyards For Grüner Veltliner Tastings?

    The Wachau Valley in Austria is a wine lover’s paradise. Home to the iconic Grüner Veltliner grape variety, the Wachau is one of the most beautiful and prestigious wine regions in the world. With its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and stunning river views, the Wachau is a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast! When is the best time to go wine tasting in the Wachau? There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the best time to go wine tasting in the Wachau depends on your personal preferences. Spring Awakening – Blossoms and Freshness The region is where spring often strikes first in Austria. One of the highlights…

  • Where to buy Austrian wine online - computer opened on an online shop with wine bottles beside

    Where To Buy Austrian Wine Online?

    Austrian wines, known for their exceptional quality and unique grape varieties, have been gaining global recognition among wine enthusiasts. If you’re wondering where to buy Austrian wine online, you’re in for a treat. Here are two examples, which I can recommend due to the excellent value for money and how they treat their employees and the winemakers. 8wines : Best value for money If you love wine and want a great selection without breaking the bank, 8wines.com is the place to be. People love their wide variety of wines, awesome deals, and quick delivery. And the customer service? It’s top-notch! To make it even better, they’re approved by the Wine…

  • Understanding Grüner Veltliner Labels From Wachau - picture of a bottle of white wine

    Understanding Grüner Veltliner Labels From Wachau

    Grüner Veltliner is Austria‘s signature white grape variety, and the Wachau region is one of the best places in the world to find it. Wachau Grüner Veltliners are known for their complex aromas and flavors, which can range from citrus and peach to white pepper and spice. But how can you tell which Wachau Grüner Veltliner is right for you? There are a few key things to look for on the label. The Grüner Veltliner Grape and its Importance in Wachau Wachau Grüner Veltliner wines are known for their complexity, freshness, and robust structure. This is due in large part to the region’s unique terroir. The soils in the Wachau…

  • Wachau’s Grüner Veltliner Viticulture Challenges And Solutions - pictue of Wachau landscape

    Wachau’s Grüner Veltliner Viticulture Challenges And Solutions

    The Wachau region of Austria is known for its stunning scenery and terraced vineyards. The region is also home to Grüner Veltliner, the flagship grape variety of Austria. Grüner Veltliner is a versatile grape that can produce wines with a wide range of flavors and aromas, from citrus and green fruit to white pepper and spice. However, Grüner Veltliner viticulture in the Wachau presents a number of challenges. The region’s steep slopes and narrow terraces make it difficult to mechanize viticultural practices, and the region’s climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. Despite these challenges, Wachau winemakers are committed to producing high-quality Grüner Veltliner wines that reflect the…

  • History of Grüner Veltliner in the Wachau - vintage picture of Wachau vineyards

    The History Of Grüner Veltliner From Wachau

    Grüner Veltliner is one of Austria’s most iconic grape varieties, and the Wachau region is its undisputed home. Located in the heart of Austria, the Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery, charming villages, and medieval castles. But it is the region’s unique terroir and centuries-old winemaking tradition that have made it synonymous with Grüner Veltliner. The Wachau’s winemaking tradition is deeply rooted in its history. The region’s Benedictine monasteries played a vital role in the development of winemaking in the Middle Ages. The monks were skilled viticulturists and winemakers, and they helped to establish the Wachau as one of the most important wine regions…

  • Wine Tourism In Wachau For Grüner Veltliner Enthusiasts - photo of Dunrstein church

    Wine Tourism In Wachau For Grüner Veltliner Enthusiasts

    If you love white Austrian wines and more precisley the deliciously fresh Grüner Veltliner, then the Wachau is definitely the region to explore! Morevoer, the Wachau is one of my favourite regions in Austria. Why? Because it’s absolutely so beautiful (Unesco world heritage)! The beautiful Danube making its way between the green hills that seem to stretch out for miles really give this peaceful feeling. You could easily imagine painters, poets, readers getting lost in this heavenly place! And for us, wine lovers, imagine sipping your Grüner Veltliner wine face to this beautiful scenic landscape? But, don’t take my word for it and go check it out by yourself! Discovering…