What is Pinot Noir called in Austria?
Austria has a lot of local grape varieties and focuses mainly on growing these. However, in order to increase sales, it is also good to produce wines from international grape varieties known from the everyday drinker (ie client).
However, as nothing is simple in Austria, Pinot Noir isn’t called Pinot Noir…. So what is Pinot Noir called in Austria?
Pinot Noir = Blauburgunder
Pinot Noir is called “Blauburgunder” in Austria. As you know, Pinot Noir is the signature grape in Burgundy (France). So it’s no wonder that Blauburgunder literally translated to “blue Burgundy”.
This name is used in all German-speaking countries, such as Germany and Switzerland.
How is Pinot Noir in Austria?
Pinot Noir actually has a long tradition in Austria, because vines were brought by Cistercian monks at Mönchhof in the 14th century.
It grows best on chalky soils, such as Gols in the Burgenland. However, there the climate is much warmer than in Burgundy to the vines need to be protected from too much sun exposure or deleafing.
It is sensitive to frosts and can attract rot.
The climate is warmer in Austria usually than in Burgundy. So wines will still have their high acidity, however it will have fewer fruit aromas and more mushroom notes, such as truffle, or leather notes. It is still supple on the palate.
Austrian Pinot Noir produces elegant wines however, Saint-Laurent is better suited to Austrian conditions since it never ripens to a very high sugar levels and is easier to balance.
Where is Pinot Noir grown in Austria?
Pinot Noir is mostly grown in Niederösterreich and Burgenland.
In Niederösterreich, you will find it in Thermenregion, Carnuntum and in Kamptal near Gobelsburg (just like Zweigelt) and in Burgenland, mostly in Neusiedlersee.
Indeed, the French has largely influenced the wine world with its now international grape varieties. But some, such as Alois Kracher, believe these international grape varieties (such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon) should not be planted in Austria.
Why? Because the wines produced will automatically be compared to the Burgundy or Bordeaux ones and, seeing as the terroir is very different, it will never level up. (don’t forget the strong relation between soil and grape variety)
He believes Austria should stick to the local grape varieties that suit best the terroir.
“There are no Austrians reds that can compete with the best of Bordeaux or Napa at ten years old. Austria has its own grapes but not its own style, so there is a conflict between regionality and international acceptance. It will take us a while to be recognised internationally, as there is so much competition from other countries, which are also improving quality fast. We can also lack focus. Austrians are trying to make good Pinot Noir and good Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s impossible to do both – it’s basically too warm for Pinot Noir and too cold for Cabernet.”
Conclusion : What is Pinot Noir called in Austria?
Pinot Noir is called Blau Burgunder in Austria, which literally translates to “Blue Burgundy”. This star grape from Burgundy will have truffle and leather aromas, seeing as the climate is hotter in Austria.
It is mostly grown in Niederösterreich and Burgenland.
