Today, Austria is known for producing some of the world's finest wines, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Blaufränkisch. Austria has also gained recognition for its use of biodynamic production methods and a growing focus on minimizing the use of pesticides and chemicals.

In the past, Austrian wine was known for being too heavy, sweet, and full bodied, and there were often issues with quality control and labeling of the wines. However, as a result of the wine revolution in the 1980s, Austrian wine producers began to focus more on quality and production methods that were more environmentally friendly and sustainable. They also began cultivating a wider range of grape varieties and experimenting with different production methods.

The wine revolution in Austria has been an inspiring story of how a sector can be transformed through a focus on quality and sustainability. It has helped Austria become one of the most exciting and innovative wine producing countries in the world.

The History of Austrian Wine

Austrian wine production dates back to the 4th century BC. However, large scale wine production in the country first began to thrive in the Middle Ages when the Austrian nobility became interested in wine production and made it a significant part of their lifestyle.

Like many other wine regions, wine production in Austria was heavily affected by the great phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century, and it took several decades for Austria to recover.

After World War II, Austrian wine production was again set back due to the destruction of the country's vineyards, and in the 1980s, Austria underwent the aforementioned wine revolution, where the country had to fight to restore its wine reputation. Over time, Austrian wine has experienced a revival, and Austria is now one of the most productive wine producing countries in the world, with wine production becoming one of the country's most important industries.

Climate and Terroir in Austria: A Perfect Combination

Austria has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, creating optimal conditions for grape cultivation. The soil in Austria is also highly diverse, with vineyards located on steep slopes and terraces along the Danube and Mosel rivers. The soil in Austria plays an important role in grape cultivation, contributing to the unique character of Austrian wines.

Grapes Used in Austrian Wine

Austrian winegrowers use many grape varieties, and some of the typical ones are:

Grüner Veltliner: This is Austria's most cultivated grape variety and is known for its high acidity and minerality. It is perfect for producing dry white wine.
Riesling: Riesling thrives in Austria's cool climate and produces white wines with a good balance of acidity and fruity flavors.
Blauer Zweigelt: This is Austria's most cultivated red grape variety and produces red wines with a light and fruity taste.
St. Laurent: St. Laurent is one of the oldest grape varieties from Austria and produces red wines with an elegant style and deep color.
Welschriesling: Welschriesling thrives in Austria's warmer climate and produces white wines with a light and fruity taste.

The 3 Most Popular Wine Regions in Austria

Austria has several wine regions, but the three most popular ones are Niederösterreich, Burgenland, and Steiermark.

Niederösterreich: This is the largest wine region in Austria and produces some of the best white wines in the country. The region is known for its Grüner Veltliner wines.
Burgenland: Burgenland is known for its red wines and sweet wines produced in the region's warm climate.
Steiermark: Steiermark is known for its Sauvignon Blanc wine and also produces excellent Chardonnay wines.

Austrian White Wine: Unique and Exquisite Flavors

Grüner Veltliner is the most popular grape variety for white wines in Austria, and it is primarily grown in Niederösterreich. Austrian white wines have a light and fresh taste with a characteristic aroma of citrus and tropical fruit. They are also known for their acidic finish and exceptional complexity.

Austrian Red Wine: Dark and Fruity

Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch are among the most popular grape varieties for red wines in Austria. Austrian red wines have a dark color and a fruity taste with notes of cherry and blackberry. They are also known for their soft tannins and long finish.

Sell Your Wine at Auction

If you have Austrian wine stored in your cellar that you are considering selling, you can easily create an auction on the ShareWine marketplace and let buyers from all over Europe bid on your Austrian wine.

Sell Your Wine from Austria - Create an Auction

Frequently Asked Questions about Austrian Wine

Which food pairs best with Austrian wine?

Wines from Austria are versatile and can be paired with a wide range of foods. Their white wines pair perfectly with light and fresh dishes such as fish and salads, while their red wines complement richer and meatier dishes such as beef and lamb. Austrian wine can also be paired with cheese and desserts.