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…

Zweigelt is a new variety selected in 1922 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt, LFZ Klosterneuburg, from St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Its dissemination is due to the fact that Lenz Moser planted the variety in high culture on a large scale and recommended it to other winegrowers. Towards the end of the last century, when areas cultivated for red wines were extended,…

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…

Blaufränkisch was first documented in the 18th century in Austria, while in Germany it appeared later under the names Lemberger or Limberger, deriving from the town of Limberg (now Maissau) in northern Austria. In Hungary, it goes by the name Kékfrankos. This ancient indigenous grape variety is a result of crossing Blaue Zimmerttraube and Weisser Heunisch. Blaufränkisch has been used…

While Austria does have an impressive selection of globally celebrated grape varieties like Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Traminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, it is the range of indigenous grape varieties that is particularly noteworthy. These “indigenous” grapes have originated almost exclusively in a particular region through natural crossbreeding or mutations and have…

In the east of Austria lies Burgenland. The name means “land of castles” in German and it comes from the fact that the region was once home to many castles and fortresses. It was part of the Kingdom of Hungary until the end of WWI, when it became part of Austria following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This meant…

Blaufränkisch isn’t just Austria’s signature red — it’s a food-pairing powerhouse. From schnitzel and goulash to seafood pasta and risotto, this wine’s vibrant acidity and silky tannins make it one of the most versatile bottles you can open. Here’s how to make the most of it at the tabl

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…

Austria is best known for the quality of its white wines, made from both native Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. In Austria, grape varieties don’t respect political boarders. If you want to know why, check out my post on the history of wine in Austria. For instance, Grüner Veltliner is found in Hungary as well. A quick word on climate :…

Hey there! Heard there’s some debate about chilling Zweigelt! When it comes to the serving temperature of red wines, a longstanding debate exists, and Zweigelt, an Austrian red grape variety, finds itself at the center of this discussion. The question arises: Should Zweigelt be chilled? While conventionally red wines are enjoyed at room temperature or slightly below, there is a…