• Austria

    Blauburgunder vs Pinot Noir

    The tradition of Pinot Noir in Austria has been long-standing since the 14th century when Cistercian monks brought the vines to Mönchhof. However, the warmer climate in zones like Gols means that the vines require protection from excessive sun exposure or deleafing. While Austria’s Pinot Noir may differ from Burgundy‘s due to the unique growing conditions, the long tradition and…

  • What is Rotgipfler - a bunch of white grapes
    Austria

    What is Rotgipfler?

    Austria boasts an impressive selection of wines made from globally celebrated grape varieties like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Traminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. However, the assortment of indigenous grape varieties is even more noteworthy. The term “indigenous” refers to grape varieties that have originated almost exclusively in a particular region through natural…

  • How do you identify a Blauer Zweigelt - A glass of red wine beside a bottle of red wine
    Austria

    How do you identify a Blauer Zweigelt red wine from Austria?

    Austria is best known for the quality of its dry or sweet white wines, made from both autochthonous Grüner Veltliner and Riesling or botrytised dessert wines from Welschriesling. However, it also produces many excellent red wines made from local grape varieties such as Blauer Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch. In fact, Blauer Zweigelt is even the most common red grape variety in…