Austria

Historical evidence leads us to believe that the original Austrian vineyards were planted in Traisental over 4000 years ago. Bordering Hungary, Germany and Italy, Austria has a cool continental climate which is heavily influenced by the neighboring Alps. Austrian wines have enjoyed recent international success thanks to the dry white wines made from the indigenous grape variety Grüner Veltliner. This spicy white grape accounts for more than a third of Austria’s total acreage under vine according to our Austria Wine Guide. Other white grape varieties that are used are Riesling, Welschriesling, [Müller-Thurgau] and Weisser Burgunder. About 30% of the total Austrian wine production comes from the red varieties Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. There are six DAC (comparable to AOC in France) regions within Austria however it is still the Gruner Veltliner and Riesling wines from Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal that are the most revered according to our Austria Wine Ratings. See our Austria Wine Guide below for a more detailed reviews and ratings on the wines of Austria.