AustriAn Wine In Depth

www.austrianwine.comLast update: February 2013

N I E D E R S T E RREI C

H

S TE IE R M

A R K

BU

RG

ENLA

ND

WIEN

ITALY

CZECH REPUBLICSLO

VAKIA

HUNGARY

SLOVENIA

SWITZERLAND

GERMANY

LIECHTEN-STEIN

Weinviertel DAC

Kamptal DAC

Traisental DAC

Mittelburgenland DAC

Sdsteiermark

Weststeiermark Sd-Oststeiermark

Kremstal DACWachau

Wagram

Thermenregion

Carnuntum

Neusiedlersee DACLeithaberg DACNeusiedlersee-Hgelland

Eisenberg DACSdburgenland

www.austrianwine.com

Austrian Wine Marketing Board

2 ForeWord

Wine is a complex product. And to many people, the wine world is too complicated - which is why they can be more receptive to the wine brands of large companies; brands that are sold like consumer goods. Indeed, wine for these people can be regarded as - so to say - just a drink. But even though they are clearly a part of wine eco-nomics, were hoping that, in time, a good number of these unaware wine consumers will become interested in the real culture of wine. True, this world is a complicated one, but it is also much richer.

The pleasure of wine doesnt come only from drinking the liquid and experiencing the resulting reaction of our taste organs. It also comes from the associations that we draw in our minds when drinking the wine. experiencing wine pleasure is not only a question of tasting (sapore), but also and especially knowledge (sapere) of the product and what goes into making it. This is also what Carlo Petrini,

the founder of Slow Food, believes. He refuses to use the term consumer. Human beings shouldn t consume food and drink like a car that consumes gasoline. We should be taking the time to con-sider what we are eating and drinking. Thus consumption becomes enjoyment.

It is clear that experts and specialists must learn continuously in order to keep up to date with the ever-changing wine world. This is why the Austrian Wine Marketing Board is providing via our con-tinuously updated educational materials the most current compilation of information for everyone who whether for business or personal purposes - wants to learn the latest about Austrian wine. We cover extensively the topic of designation of origin, because it is crucial for the positioning of Austri-an wine in the international arena.

It is of utmost importance that wines show their correct designations: on the bottle labels, in catalogs and on price lists (producer as well as trade) and especially on gastronomy wine lists. Therefore, we show on pages 20-25 the different possibilities for structuring wine lists with the correct wine desig-nations. While there are so many possible variations, there is a common principle: the legally defined origin of the wine must be stated! This applies also to catalogs and price lists - of wine producers as well as traders - and especially to bottle labels. From a marketing point of view, it is key to show the origin of the wine also on the front label which is why this became part of the dAC regulation and, therefore, required by the wine law. In any case, it is in the winemakers own interest to do this also for all other wines (non-dAC) as well.

our brief inventory of the present situation should help all of those who sell wine, design wine lists, serve wine or recommend wine with food, teach wine knowledge, talk or write about wine as well as those who embrace wine as one of the most beautiful hobbies there is. We are already looking forward to the next edition with a new update. Because as the ancient Greeks used to say - panta rhei (everything flows), and this applies especially to Austria, one of the most dynamic and, at the same time, most traditional wine countries in the world.

Heres to You!

Willi KlingerManaging directorAustrian Wine Marketing Board

3Index

1. History of Wine-growing in Austria ..........................................................................................................................4

2. The Main Climate Zones ............................................................................................................................................... 8

3. Market development ................................................................................................................................................... 10

4. The Structure of the Austrian Wine Industry ..................................................................................................... 11

5. Positioning: The Austrian Way ................................................................................................................................ 12

6. Identity ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

7. The Wine designations ..................................................................................................................................................16

8. Strategy for origin Marketing .....................................................................................................................................17

9. Structure of Wine Lists ................................................................................................................................................ 20

10. Specified Wine-growing regions in niedersterreich (Lower Austria) ............................................. 27

10.1. Wachau ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29

10.2. Kremstal dAC .......................................................................................................................................................... 31

10.3. Kamptal dAC ......................................................................................................................................................... 33

10.4. Traisental dAC ....................................................................................................................................................... 35

10.5. Wagram ................................................................................................................................................................... 37

10.6. Weinviertel dAC .................................................................................................................................................. 39

10.7. Carnuntum .............................................................................................................................................................. 41

10.8. Thermenregion .................................................................................................................................................... 43

11. Specified Wine-growing regions in Burgenland .......................................................................................... 45

11.1. neusiedlersee dAC ................................................................................................................................................ 47

11.2. Leithaberg dAC neusiedlersee-Hgelland ............................................................................................ 49

11.3. Mittelburgenland dAC .......................................................................................................................................... 51

11.4. eisenberg dAC - Sdburgenland .................................................................................................................... 53

12. Specified Wine-growing regions in Steiermark (Styria) ........................................................................... 55

12.1. Sd-oststeiermark ................................................................................................................................................ 57

12.2. Sdsteiermark ...................................................................................................................................................... 59

12.3. Weststeiermark ..................................................................................................................................................... 61

13. Specified Wine-growing region Wien (Vienna)............................................................................................. 63

14. Grape Varieties and their Importance ................................................................................................................ 64

14.1. White Wine .............................................................................................................................................................. 66

14.2. red Wine ..................................................................................................................................................................77

15. Vintage Charts .............................................................................................................................................................. 84

16. The Austrian Wine Law ............................................................................................................................................. 86

17. Wine and Food ............................................................................................................................................................... 91

18. Wine education ............................................................................................................................................................. 94

19. Wine in Society .............................................................................................................................................................. 96

4 HISTORY oF WIne-GroWInG In AUSTrIA

Grape vines existed well over sixty million years ago. During the post glacial warm period (10,000 5,000 years ago), the vines made their way along the River Danube up towards the northwestern parts of Europe. The homo sapien humans discoved and cultivated the same wild vine that we know today as being the common European grape vine.

700 BC The Celts and most probably their Illyrian predecessors begin to cultivate the vine in a primitive form and vitis vinifera grape pips dating from the Hallstatt cultural period, were discovered in former Celtic dwellings in the wine-producing village of Zagersdorf in Burgenland. In Lower Austria, further evidence of grape pips dating from the Bronze Age also suggest that vines were cultivated in the Traisental region, as well as in Stillfried an der March in the Weinviertel, at this time.

1 BC The romans start extensive plantings of grape vines and cultivation of the vine reaches our latitude, with evidence found along and around the danube, as well as close to the neusiedlersee, Sdburgenland and in the region of Carnuntum in Lower Austria and Flavia Solva in Sdsteiermark.

AD 276-282 roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Probus repeals emperor domitians ban on vine plantings north of the Alps and takes his troops to the Pannonian plains and authorises the planting of new vineyards.

AD 482 In his biography of the holy patron Saint Severin, roman historian eugippius recounts that right up until his death, he had resided in a place referred to as ui ad vineas vocabatur, or in the vineyards. The vines, to which he refers, are thought to be near Mautern, on the southern bank of the danube, opposite Krems. Yet other sources suggest it might have been in Heiligenstadt, nussdorf or in the Viennese district of dbling.

AD 488 The romans finally relinquish their governance of the Province of noricum, and in the following period of mass migration, a vast amount of the vines are left abandoned.

AD 795 Karl der Groe, or Charlemagne, issued his Capitulare de Villis, which stated detailled information on viticulture, vines and wine law. during the course of the Carolingian colonialisation, viticulture was consistently encouraged in the regions to the east of France, leading to a cadastral map of vineyards, as well as the replanting of more beneficial grape vine varieties.

AD 890 955 Viticulture suffers a drastic setback following the Magyar invasion.

10th - 12th Century The Cistercians introduce Burgundian viticultural methods into Austria via the Stift Heiligenkreuz and Freigut Thallern monasteries in Thermenregion. Meanwhile, Bavarian dioceses and abbeys settling along the danube, begin to clear and cultivate the river and tributaries, and building the vineyard terraces in the Wachau. At this time, monasteries cultivated the vineyards, such as the Bavarian niederaltaich, Herrieden, Tegernsee and Metten Abbeys, as well as Freising, Passau and regensburg dioceses, along with the Archbishop of Salzburg, who also owned territory in the region.

1. HISTORY oF WIne-GroWInG In AUSTrIA

5HISTORY oF WIne-GroWInG In AUSTrIA

1170 Vienna enjoyes a viticultural boom after the House of Babenberg is relocated to the capital city. The Viennese citizens are allowed to purchase vineyards, leading to many parts within the inner city becoming under vine.

1327 The Seitzerkeller, owned by the Mauerbach Charterhouse, moves to the dorotheergasse in Vienna, and subsequently over sixty cellar rooms are converted into drinking parlours, or so called Trinkstuben, where the proprietor serves his own produce.

1359 rudolf IV, duke of Austria, declares a 10% wine tax, known as the Ungeld, and introduces laws in favour of landlords and imposes an array of tolls allowing towns and territorial princes to charge for the transit and import of wines.

15th - 16th Century The total area under vine in Austria reaches its zenith, and vast vineyards stretch along the danube from Vienna to Upper Austria in the west, and down towards Semmering in Styria, as well as in Salzburg, Carinthia, Tyrol and Vorarlberg, with as much as three times the vineyard acreage found today.

1524 Queen Maria of Hungary granted the vintners from the town of rust the privilege of branding a capital r onto their wine casks, as an early form of Protected designation of origin.

1526 The royal esterhzy family vineyards produce the first documented noble sweet dessert wine (most probably a Trockenbeerenauslese) from the village of donnerskirchen, Burgenland. regarded as the Lutherwein, Prince Paul esterhzy purchased a large vat of the wine in 1653, and the same wine was enjoyed for over 300 years, the last drop being allegedly poured in 1852.

1582 Johann rasch (1540-1612) from the Schottenstift (Scottish Abbey) in Vienna, publishes his well known work Von Baw, Pfleg und Brauch des Weins as the author of the first viticulture and wine book in the German language.

17th Century Production of wine curbs due to religious conflict, the siege of the Turks, high taxation and the upturn in beer production.

1681 The town of rust on Lake neusiedl pays the immense sum of 60,000 Gulden and 500 pails of Ausbruch wine to become a Free Imperial City. 18th Century Maria Theresia (reigned from 1740 to 1780) and her son Josef II (reigned from 1780 to 1790) revitalise viticulture and during this period, renovation and research into the cultivation of vines and wines begins.

1784 The Josephinische Zirkularverordnung decree of 17 August 1784 allows every person to serve and sell own produce, including wine, at any time of the year and at whatever given price (die von ihm selbst erzeugten Lebensmittel, Wein und obstmost zu allen Zeiten des Jahres, wie, wann und zu welchem Preis er will, zu verkaufen oder auszuschenken). This is therefore the beginning of the famous Buschenschank legislation, and the first step towards the Heurigen and Buschenschnken in Austria.

1860 Baron August Wilhelm von Babo founds the first viticultural and oenological school and research centre in Klosterneuburg, which is passed into the management of the State in 1874, and has been known as Hheren Lehranstalt fr Wein- und obstbau (Federal College of Viticulture, oenology and Fruit) since 1902. This is officially the oldest viticulture school in the world and many similar institutes emerged from this model throughout the Monachy.

6 HISTORY oF WIne-GroWInG In AUSTrIA

19th Century First sightings of oidium (powdery mildew) in 1850 and Peronospora (downy mildew) in 1878 in vineyards. The unheeded introduction of phylloxera in 1872 destroyed extensive vineyard acreage and viticultural livelyhood in Austria.

1890 Ludwig Hermann Goethe becomes Managing director of the Agricultural Association, set up to protect Austrian viticulture, and publishes pioneering documentation into viticulture and origins of vine varieties in our latitude.

1907 The first Austrian wine law is enforced, listing what is permitted by law for the production of wine, and prohibiting the fabrication of artificial wines.

1918 Following the breakup of the Habsburg Monachy, Austrias vineyard area is reduced some 30,000 hectares right up until the 1930s (compared with 48,000 hectares prior to the outbreak of the First World War)

1922 Professor Friedrich Zweigelt, later director of the Hheren Bundeslehr- und Bundesversuchsanstalt fr Wein-, obst- und Gartenbau college in Klosterneuburg, successfully crosses the indigenous varieties St. Laurent and Blaufrnkisch, and creates Austrias most significant new variety, the Blauer Zweigelt.

1936 The Ministry of Agriculture passes a new viticultural law prohibiting the planting of new vineyards as well as hybrid direct producers. This represents a prime example of the strong protectionist nature of the agricultural policies during the First republic.

1950 Lenz Moser, the wine pioneer from rohrendorf, publishes his groundbreaking book Weinbau einmal anders (a new approach to viticulture), that argued against most of the traditional viticultural methods. The fairly rapid conversion to the Hochkultur trellising system during the 1950s led to a mechanised and rationalisation of viticulture, coupled with a notable increase in yield. In the eighties, as much as 90 percent of the acreage under vine was trained using the Hochkultur system.

1985 The wine scandel unleashes an unprecidented price reduction of tank wine after it was discovered that Austrian wine has been adulterated by the illegal additive diethylene glycol. Consequently, export sales of Austrian wine virtually diminish overnight and within a year, the new, stringent wine law is introduced, to supervise and inspect Austrian wine.

1986 The Austrian Wine Marketing Board is established, to specifically promote the image and sale of Austrian wine.

1991 The Austrian Wine Academy, the first recognised WSeT school to teach to diploma level in the German language, is established in rust. The centre offers a wide range of courses and programmes in German & english language, aimed at promoting wine culture. Today, over 1,000 seminars and 20,000 participants attend these courses annually, making it the europes largest wine school.

7HISTORY oF WIne-GroWInG In AUSTrIA

1995 Following Austrias entry into the european Union, the european Community Wine Legislation is acknowledged.

2000 2008 eU measures are introduced to promote and financially support wineries, yet at the same time, subsidies are handed out to encourage the voluntary grubbing up of vines, to curb surplus production.

2001 regional wine committees, promoting wine on a local level, are established in close cooperation with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. Their purpose is to improve the communication and sales of the produce in their regions, as well as to supervise agricultural contract issues, quality measures. Their role is significant in defining a regional typicity for the wine style and its promotion and publicity, in their specific region. The national wine body also supervises and liases with the local committees.

2001 An amendment to the wine law allows a wine displaying regional typicity, as defined by the regional committee, to apply the term dAC (districtus Austriae Controllatus) to the name of the wine producing region. only these wines, examined and approved by the Federal Inspection number and a further requirement for regional typicity, are allowed to print e.g. Weinviertel dAC, onto the label. non-defined varieties or other styles are marketed under the larger wine producing region, e.g. niedersterreich

2002 The London blind tasting of Grner Veltliner versus Chardonnay from prominent international producers, is organised by Jan-erik Paulson and hosted by Jancis robinson MW and Tim Atkin MW. From over 30 wines, the top four places are given to Austrian Chardonnays and Grner Veltliners, with a further 3 wines ranked in the top ten. Similar tastings in Vienna, Tokyo and Singapore, which included sought after wines from ramonet, Louis Latour, Jadot (Burgund), Gaja (Piedmont), Mondavi (California) and Penfolds (Australia), led to similar results.

2003 The first official dAC wine displaying regional typicity and origin, the dry Weinviertel dAC Grner Veltliner, is released with the 2002 vintage.

2006 Austrias first red wine to gain dAC status is the Blaufrnkisch from Mittelburgenland (2005 vintage). This time, the dAC wine showing regional typicity and origin is released in two categories, the Klassik and reserve wines.

2007-2009 The release of the 2006 vintage witnesses further wines of origin, riesling and Grner Veltliner Traisental dAC. Likewise for Kremstal dAC from the 2007 vintage, and Kamptal dAC from 2008, both varieties are available in Klassik and reserve categories. Weinviertel dAC reserve is to be available from the 2009 vintage. 2010 From 1 September 2010, two further wines of origin from Burgenland are available. The Leithaberg dAC (white from 2009 and red from 2008 vintages) as well as eisenberg dAC (Blaufrnkisch, Klassik from 2009 vintage, reserve from 2008 vintage).

2012 With the introduction of the new neusiedlersee dAC, the strategy of origin in Burgenland with four dAC wine regions is now complete. neusiedlersee dAC focuses on Austrias best know red grape variety, Zweigelt (Klassik and reserve from 2011 vintage).

WEINVIERTEL

DANUBE AREA

STEIERMARK

PANNONIAN AREA

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9THe MAIn ClImATE ZOnES

The peach or gooseberry aromas of the steely riesling, the nutty scent of the longevity-prone neuburger, the intense grapy bouquet of the Muskateller, the fresh, delicate flow-eriness of the Weiburgunder and the piquant honey note of the roter Veltliner are reflections of nature s breath. Moreover, even with this freshness, the increasing layers of loess soil give to the wines (e.g. from Krems to the east) a creamy texture, which is especially demonstrated in the Grner Veltliner. And more and more often, the danube wine-growing regions also yield elegant and fruity red wi-nes. The distinct differences in the terroirs here are being explored and revealed continuously by winemakers as they develop their wines with an emphasis on vineyard typicity.

THe WeInVIerTeL

The Weinviertel, Austrias northern-most wine-growing region, is home to the peppery Grner Veltliner. Because of its dimensions and clear boundaries - the Manhartsberg in the west; the danube to the south and the Austrian bor-der, extending from the north to the east - the Weinviertel with its numerous microclimatic and geological differen-ces is its own wide-open area. The typical character of the Weinviertels classic Grner Veltliner is indeed a cohesive one, and this has been confirmed in a recent scientific stu-dy. So it is no wonder that the Weinviertel - with its clas-sic peppery Grner Veltliner - entered history as Austrias first wine of origin in the new dAC appellation system. In contrast to the danubes Veltliners, the Weinviertel has a more rustic aroma and character, which makes it an ideal partner to the local cuisine. In special Weinviertel sites, the Grner Veltliner in the reserve quality level demonstrates the same kind of concentration and finesse that mark the danube wines. The Weinviertels climate favours not only Grner Veltliner, but also a wide range of varietals such as fresh Welschriesling, Weiburgunder and riesling. It is important to note that there are also pockets of red wine islands in the Weinviertel - for example, around Haugsdorf.

THe PAnnonIAn AreA

Southeast of the Austrian capital, Vienna, the continuous influences of the warm Pannonain climate help define the character of the wines. In contrast to other areas, a fuller, rounder body is characteristic of the wines from Carnun-tum, the Thermenregion and Burgenland. The Pannonian area is where Austria shows off its prowess in red wine pro-

duction. The full-bodied Zweigelt is dominant from Carn-untum to the Seewinkel. In the Steinfeld of the Thermen-region, the velvety St. Laurent is the ideal variety with its typical morello cherry nose. And the Mittelburgenland has been established as a dAC appellation with Blaufrnkisch as its calling card varietal. The partly loamy soils here con-tribute to this varietys unique forest berry bouquet. And on the eisenberg in the south, it already starts to reveal a touch of Styrian freshness. A completely different, mi-nerally and tannin-rich type of Blaufrnkisch thrives bet-ween the Hgelland - on the western shore of the neu-siedlersee (Lake neusiedl) and the Spitzerberg in the Carnuntum wine-growing region. The cooler sites of the chalk-rich Leithaberg yield particularly great Weiburgun-der and Chardonnay wines with sophisticated, multilayered bouquets. And on the slopes of the Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), around Gumpoldskirchen, the traditional white production is blooming again with the indigenous varieties Zierfandler and rotgipfler. The high humidity around the Seewinkel, with its countless mini-lakes, is conducive to the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which leads to the production of supreme world-class wines in Prdikat categories up to the highly-concentrated Trockenbeeren-auslese. But great sweet wines are made also on the other side of the neusiedlersee lake, with the renowned ruster Ausbruch as their flagship.

THe STeIerMArK

The Steiermark, or Styria, has a very special culinary iden-tity with wine as its highlight. The typically Austrian fresh-ness reaches its culmination point in the hilly countryside landscape. nowhere else in the world are there wines of such smooth precision, aromatic brilliance and robust pi-quancy. The varietal that links the areabetween Hartberg and deutschlandsberg is Welschriesling, with its refreshing apple fragrance and a touch of spiciness. This Steirische nose evolves into a distinctive grapy expression with the dry Gelber Muskateller, which and this is a little known fact - often remains unchanged for years. Also, the Tra-miner is a Styrian secret tip - especially when it comes from the volcanic terroir around Klch. Weiburgunder and Chardonnay - which is known here as Morillon as well as the slightly weightier Pinot Gris are included in the Steiermarks varietal spectrum. But the winemakers of the Steiermark have been concentrating heavily in recent ye-ars on Sauvignon Blanc. This varietal, especially from the calcareous top sites embracing the steep hills of Sdstei-ermark (South Styria), develops a special dimension and style. Still, the impressive Styrian wine family includes also the Schilcher, which is made from the Blauer Wildbacher grape. This racy ros from the west of the Styrian wine-growing region is a terroir wine par excellence, enhanced by the appreciation for and dedication to its uniqueness.

10 MArKeT DEvElOpmEnT

3. CHAnGE In THe WorLd WIne MArKeTexperts all share the same opinion; the wine world has changed more the past 30 years than it had during the 1,000 years previously. Some of the effects of this development include:

UpsUrgeinqUalitythankstomUch IMProVed TeCHnICAL ProCeSSeS everimprovingbasictechnicalqualityofwinesderivingfromdifferentorigins significanceofoenologistsandwinemakers professionalismanincreasinglyhigherstandardofeducation

newcompetitivesitUationtheriseof neW WIne-ProdUCInG CoUnTrIeS And MArKeTS francenolongeraloneintheleadamongwine-producingcountries theriseofitalianqualitywines(duringthe1980s) theriseofthenewworldwines Usawillbecomethemostsignificantwinemarket australiasdynamicexport

changeinthedistribUtionchannels theimportanceofby-the-glasssalesintheon-trade winesalesinsupermarketsaregrowingrapidlytherangeisincreasingandin-storeexpertiseimproving discountstoreswithlimitedrangearealsosurprisinglysuccessfulinhigherpricesegments cellardoorsaleswereonthedeclineforalongtime,buthavenowstabilized qualifiedretailisnotincreasinginsalesbyvolume,butitisimportantforthedistributionofhigher-endwines

changeinthebehavioUrofconsUmers: neW ConSUMerS Are drInKInG dIFFerenTLY declineinconsumptionintraditionalwine-producingcountries frenchparadoxandhealthconsciousness frombingedrinkingtotasting disloyalconsumerswanttotryoutsomethingnew wineperceivedasalifestyleobject wining&diningasasymbolofprosperity(entertainment)

newtypeofcommUnicationandreview appearance,languageandcontextarechanging increasingsignificanceofthespecialistmediaandratings englishspokenmedia(particularlytheUsmedia)isdominatinginternationalcommunication thewineszeneisgettingyounger-theaverageageforbeginnerwineenthusiastshasdropped from 35 to 30 years old.

theeverwideninggapbetween IndUSTrIALLY ProdUCed And orIGInAL WIneS commercialwinesversusterroirwines winecorporationsversusfamily-runestates globalisationoftasteversusdiversification brandversusorigin focusonmajorbrandsininternationalsupermarkets riseoftheterroirwinesalongwithorganicwinesinresponse anewextremetrend:naturalwines,nakedwines,rawwines

11

In Austria, there is a surface area of 46,000 hectares under vine. This vineyard area is currently cultivated by 23,000 indi-vidual wine producers (number of harvest registrations), of which only 6,000 are counted as being bottlers.

over the past 25 years, there has been a noticeable shift towards larger wine estates and a decline in smaller wine farms (in 1988, there were a total of 45,000 wine estates). When compared to Australia, the small-scale structure of the Aust-rian wine industry is apparent. Australias vineyards has increased from 59,000 ha to 164,000 ha over the past 25 years. In addition to this Australias yields are much higher than those of Austria. Yet Austria has three times as many bottlers.

45,908 ha of vineyards are currently being cultivated; a sum that lies well beneath the possible scope of 60,000 ha. on the one hand, the drastic reduction in the number of wine estates is down to the fact that a large number of grape growers with a vineyard surface area of less than one hectare have ceased to exist. on the other hand, the ave-rage producer size has increased, due to the increase of the number of producers with more than 5 ha.

There is a noticable shift towards a larger business structure and a decrease in the number of smaller producers. Small estates are mostly managed part-time, but there is a significant increase in full-time managed estates.

THe ProdUCTIon CAPACITY oF WInerIeS In AUSTrIA.The total number of Qualittswein (quality wine) bottlers in Austria is less than 6,500 wineries. In 2009, there were 1,000 producers who bottled more than 30,000 litres of wine per annum. The 2011 figures show that this has now incre-ased to 1,400 producers. These wineries are at the forefront of the Austrian wine industry, and all of them work in close cooperation with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB).

A comparison of the wine sales in 2009 and 2011, as submitted by registered wineries, illustrates that the number of wine producers with an annual volume exceeding 30,000 litres (not considering possible vintage variations) is rapidly incre-asing (from 976 to 1,389). At the same time, the total sum of wineries continues to decline. This shows a clear indication of the rapid structural change within the Austrian wine industry. In line with this trend, figures state that the number of wineries with an annual production greater than 500,000 litres of wine rose from 37 in 2009 to 48 in 2011. data for the 100,000 litres threshold shows an increase from 196 in 2009 to 299 by 2011. The categories 50,000 to 100,000 litres and 30,000 to 50,000 litres increased by 135 wineries and 175 wineries respectively.

PoSITIonInG

4. THE STRUCTURE oF THe AUSTrIAn WIne IndUSTrY

AUSTRIA AUSTRAlIA

46,000 ha 164,000 ha

over 6,000 approx. 2,000 bottlers bottlers

The number of producers who bottle their own wine, displayed in litres, according to the total sum of wine bottled during a given year. The data compares 2011 with 2009, and includes all quality levels. (Stock declaration 2009 and 2011. Sales figures provided by registered companies obligated to report.)

over 1 Million litres 19 producers

500,001 - 1 Million litres 18 producers

100,001 - 500,000 litres 159 producers

50,001 - 100,000 litres 340 producers

30,001 - 50,000 litres 440 producers

10,001 - 30,000 litres 1.653 producers

5,001 - 10,000 litres 3.852 producers

over 1 Million litres 15 producers

500,001 - 1 Million litres 33 producers

100,001 - 500,000 litres 251 producers

50,001 - 100,000 litres 475 producers

30,001 - 50,000 litres 615 producers

10,001 - 30,000 litres 1.839 producers

5,001 - 10,000 litres 1.295 producers

2009 2011

12 BASIC PoSITIonS

AUSTRIA original hand-crafted family-run business full of character focus on nature

InTERnATIOnAl TREnD commercial industrial corporations uniformity focus on technical equipment

In a constantly changing world wine market, it is imperative that the Austrian wine industry takes a really good look at the positioning of its wines and reacts to changing trends. The positioning is determined by the structures and requirements, that Austrian wine production specifies.

AUSTRIA: SMALL, YeT SUCCeSSFUL THAnKS To STronG IdenTITYThe small-scale structure can generate competitive disadvantages against the more bouyant, industrialised wine indus-tries with highly productive wineries. For example: comparitively low volumes, few large-scale producers, brands that are hardly known internationally, wine estates generally have little or no marketing budgets, coupled with complicated names, amongst other factors. Yet on a more positive note, the number of Austrian wine fans worldwide is growing due to the authenticity and individual quality of the wines, as witnessed by the steep increase in the export figures into key markets, such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, as well as Holland, Poland, Scandinavia and russia.

The grape varieties, the climate, the soils, amongst other factors, are elements that define the most predominant charac-ter of Austrian wine, which is its remarkable freshness. This main characteristic is not only vital for the domestic market, but also an asset for export. on the basis of the Austrian wine industrys structure, it is difficult to employ common mar-keting techniques, as Austrian wine has a mere 1% share of the world wine production, of which no more than a quarter is exported. Therefore, Austrian wine must be marketed as a valuable niche product, and the main arguments used to promote Austrian wine, focus on its contrast with the international progressive industrialisation of wine.

5. pOSITIOnInG: THe AUSTrIAn WAY

13BASIC PoSITIonS

AUSTrIAS THree BASIC PoSITIonS on the outcome of a previous study, the AWMB has formulated the basic three positions of the Austrian wine marketing, that in turn have resulted in the strategy and tactical approach in the planning of its defined activities.

5.1. AUSTrIA IS A nATIon WITH A dISTInCTIVe CULInArY CULTUre a) ...with an active culinary tradition b) ...as the culinary hub in Central europe c) ...as a sustainable and beautiful holiday destination for gourmets d) ...with healthy and high quality food e) ...with wine being the pioneer in quality and image

STRATEGY: Intensive cooperation in tourism, the gastronomy and food industry, to strengthen Austrias reputation as a gourmet country, and to benefit from it in wine marketing.

5.2. AUSTrIAn WIne IS orIGInAL And nATUrAL a) ...a hand-crafted product from highly capable family-run estates b) ...an individual cultural asset that is full of character and has a distinct declaration of origin c) ...is produced following sustainable principles (such as integrated agriculture, organic farming) d) ...with a wide choice of indigenous (autochtonous) quality grape varieties e) ...an all round companion to Austrian and international cuisine

STRATEGY: our wine is to be positioned as a fresh and genuine product of nature, produced by friendly, family-run estates, as opposed to the one-dimensional products from international wine corporations with factory-like production plants. This niche marketing relies upon the collaboration of organic and integrated farming* (together, they make up for more than three-quarters of the Austrian viticultural surface area).

*Integrated agriculture is the connecting link between industrialised, conventional agriculture, that is primarily orientated towards productivity, and organic farming. Measures are taken to keep the impact on the environment to a minimum, yet without needing to adhere to all of the restrictions asso-ciated with certified organic agriculture.

5.3. AUSTrIAS WIne SCene IS dYnAMIC And InnoVATIVe a) young, innovate and highly qualified winemakers b) excellent wine education facilities (Klosterneuburg is the worlds oldest viticultural and oenology school, founded in 1860) c) efficient public support for investment for improvements in infrastructure and quality d) Austrias winemakers are worldly and open-minded, and have international winemaking experience e) Winemakers are good wine tasters and capable of self-criticism f ) a modern approach based on great traditions boosts quality

STRATEGY: The strategy must integrate the core factors tradition/culture, nature/originality and innovation/ dynamism. Austrias tradition is alive and continues to develop. In a young and dynamic winemaking scene (new Wines from the old World), a consideration for tradition and the environment are second nature.

14 IdenTITY

The perception of a product is crucial for its market positioning. It comes into the mind of the consumer following a clear and defined product identity. For a small-structured and cost-intensive wine industry like in Austria, it is absolutely impe-rative that there is a clear identity in the future, in the form of a valued, environmentally conscious and yet modern image, in order to compete with the intensively advertised branded products from international corporations. A wines identity is down to a range of different factors.

6.1 ProdUCer (BrAnd/CI)In Austria, the winemaker or wine-producing family is often associated with the brand name, yet the domestic wine scene has changed tremendously over the past few decades. on the one hand, a wealth of new names have made it to the top, whereas on the other hand, many efficient wine producers, in terms of volume, have emerged. A consistent corporate identity with corresponding corporate design (wine labels, brochures, website, wine architecture, and so on), are today the norm within this group.

6.2 VArIeTYA wealth of high quality, indigenous (autochthonous) grape varieties, with the Grner Veltliner right at the top, strengthens the distinct identity of Austrian wines. Yet also international varieties (such as riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Weiburgunder and so on), yield terroir wines, that are full of character, in certain, well-suited Austrian wine regions. The clear emphasis of origin is one deciding factor in being able to distinguish the wines against tough international competition.

The planting of grape varieties is controlled by the grape variety regulations of the federal states. These are quite exten-sive because they include also table grapes and grapes for wines for private production (for example, for the Uhudler in Burgenland). For Qualittswein (including Prdikat wine) and Landwein, there are, for the time being, 22 white and 13 red grape varieties (also cuves or Gemischter Satz) allowed in Austria. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for determi-ning the quality grape varieties. The Austrian Federal Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, environment and Water Manage-ment has to establish through regulation the grape varieties which will bring, because of the climate and soil conditions, high quality grapes for pressing and fermentation (Qualittswein grape varieties). See Wine Law 2009, 10, Paragraph 6.

6.3 STYLeA certain hinderance is often the lack of information about the style of wine. The old quality wine categories (Quality Wine, Kabinett, Sptlese, Auslese) are usually only declared on sweet wine labels, and therefore the consumer is increa-singly in the dark. during the 1980s, the Wachau proved they were open-minded with their introduction of the categories Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd. This solution however has the disadvantage, that it can only be applied to one wine-growing region. It would be very confusing to attempt to enforce a tailored category of products into every wine-growing region. Therefore the AWMB has classified 9 categories of wine styles (see page 93, Wine & Food)

1. SpARklInG wInES & CO (Sekt, Frizzante, )

2. wHITE wInES, lIGHT AnD fRESH (Steinfeder, Junker, Junger sterreicher, L+T, )

3. wHITE wInES, ClASSIC AnD DRY (Klassik dACs, Federspiel, Steirische Klassik, )

4. wHITE wInES, fUll-BODIED (reserve, Smaragd, Steiermark Single vineyard wines)

5. ROS wInES (dry ros, classic Schilcher )

6. RED wInES, ClASSIC AnD ElEGAnT (classic and mostly unoaked red wines)

7. RED wInES, InTEnSE AnD OpUlEnT (reserve, big blends)

8. wHITE wInES, Off-DRY AnD mEDIUm-SwEET (medium-sweet Sptlese and Auslese wines)

9. nOBlE SwEET wInES (Prdikat wines; BA, TBA, Ausbruch, eiswein, Strohwein, Schilfwein)

6. THe APPeAL CoMeS FroM IDEnTITY

15IdenTITY

KlassiK white wines

reserve white wines

KlassiK red wines

reserve red wines

DRY wInES ARE DIvIDED InTO TwO mAIn CATEGORIES, fOR BOTH RED AnD wHITE

The majority of Austrian wines fit quite well into this classification of styles, including the regional specialities (Federspiel, Smaragd) and single vineyard wines. The terms of Klassik/Classic are still open to discussion as far as the wine law is concerned, and what is feasible within the boundaries of the dAC wines. The use of the term reserve in the wine law has already been amended.

6.4 orIGInA further important factor in the identification of a wine, in addition to the producer or brand name, variety and style, is its geographic origin. This element is well suited to the overall umbrella marketing strategy. In contrast to an industrialized grocery production, without any declaration of origin, where the base product is sourced where it is cheapest, the Aus-trian wine marketings fundamental strategy is the focus on the locality of its products. A strong emphasis on the origin of wines conveys a clear quality-minded orientation, yet prevents the interchangeability of grape production. With the declaration of a verifiable origin of wine on the label, the consumer has the opportunity to choose a quality orientated, authentic and sustainable wine production.

The geographical designation of wine-growing areas, wine-growing regions and Grolage sites is regulated by the wine law. Vineyard designations and field names (vineyard sites) can be found in the vineyard land registry (cadastre) at the district administrative authorities. Presently there is an official demarcation of the wine-growing regions in each commu-nity, but not of the vineyard sites. In most of the land register are the names of just the registered sites - but not the exact borders between the sites. despite two private basis initiatives, there is no official site classification in Austria. The AWMB does not take its own steps, but attempts to engage in the official definition of sites with clear borders - with a view to thedesignation of site wines. otherwise, the AWMB is occupied with the marketing of Wines from Austria and, along with this, the wine-growing areas and especially the wine-growing-regions (with and without dAC designation) and their most important wine styles.

GeoGrAPHIC orIGInS APPLIed To dIFFerenT LeVeLS.

country:austria wine-growingarea:weinland genericwine-growingregion:burgenland specificwine-growingregionordacregion:mittelburgenlanddAC commune:horitschon vineyard:goldberg producer:mustermann

The amended eU regulations on the common organisation of the market in wine came into force in 2009. It encompasses a binding, unitary and common legislation framework, within which the individual Member states can base their national wine laws. Accordingly, Austrian wine legislation has had to adapt to the amended legal structure, and the majority of the changes were passed without any major problems. The most significant difficulty within these new wine level designa-tions proved to be the elimination of the term Tafelwein (Table Wine). This category is now called just Wine and applies for wines without geographic indication or designation of origin.

Weinland

BerglandSteirerland

16 THe wInE DESIGnATIOnS

7. THe wInE DESIGnATIOnS

PRO

TEC

TED

DESIGNATION OF O

RIG

IN

Under the aspect of origin, the new eU wine law differentiates fundamentally between wines with and without geogra-phical indication.

7.1 WIne WITHoUT GeoGrAPHICAL IndICATIon In this category (until 2009, table wine), only the indication of country of origin is permitted (Austria or wine from other countries of the european Union). According to the new eU law for this category, indication of grape variety and vintage are also possible (though not grape varieties that indicate an origin, such as Weiburgunder, Blauer Burgunder or Blauf-rnkisch). In Austria, indications of vintage and grape variety are permitted only when there is, at the same time, compli-ance with the maximum yield per hectare of 9000 kg (equal to 67.5 hectoliters per hectare).

7.2 WIne WITH GeoGrAPHICAL IndICATIon

a) WIne WITH ProTeCTed GeoGrAPHICAL IndICATIon (German g.g.A.: english PGI=Protected Geografical Indication; French IGP = Indication Gographique Prot-ge; Italian IGP = Indicazione Geografica Protetta).

QUALITY WIneIn the Austrian wine law, the traditional designation of Qualittswein has replaced the community law desi-gnation of Wine with protected designation of origin. Quality wine comes from an Austrian wine-growing region and from one or more of the 35 permitted quality grape varieties. In marketing, we differentiate bet-ween generic wine-growing regions (each of the 9 federal states) and 16 specific wine-growing regions, from the Wachau to Weststeiermark, of which 8 are dAC areas. dAC wines are region-typical quality wines which

have been legally defined by ministerial regulation. In Austria, the Prdikat wines are also quality wines. They are quality wines of a special ripeness and harvest method. Also, they can be designated as generic (Burgenland) or with a specific origin (Sdoststeiermark) as long as the specific region does not have a dAC designation for other wine styles. It is even imaginable that, for a suitable region, a dAC especially for Prdikat wines could be created.

b) WIne WITH ProTeCTed deSIGnATIon oF orIGIn (German g.U.: english Pdo=Protected designation of origin, French AoP=Appellation dorigine Protge, Italian denominazione di origine Protetta). Protected designation of origin and protected geographical indi-cation are established and confirmed by the member countries and reported to Brussels. They are, therefore, guaranteed also by eU law.

BerglandUntil the 17th century, there were significant wine-growing regions also in Austrias western federal states. But climatic changes, economical crises and the major success of breweries let wine-growing in the cooler parts of the country dry up almost completely until well into the 19th century. Today, some small islands of wine-growing still exist, and there even is a small renaissance underway in the Bergland wine-growing region. The current vineyard areas are in Krnten (50 ha), obersterreich (15 ha), Vorarlberg (12 ha), Tirol (8 ha) and Salzburg (2 ha). These wines can be designated as: a) Wines from Austria (without designation of origin formerly Tafelwein, or table wine) b) Land wine with the designation of origin Bergland c) Quality wine with the name of the federal state (when the requirements for quality wine are met, and the wine has obtained an official control number).

LAnd WIne In Austria, the traditional designation land wine replaces the community law designation of wine with protected geogra-phical indication. Land wine originates from one of the three Austrian wine-growing areas: Weinland (the federal states of niedersterreich, Burgenland and Wien, or Vienna), Bergland (the federal states of obersterreich, Salzburg, Krnten, Tirol and Vorarlberg) or Steirerland (the federal state of Steiermark).

REGIOn-TYpICAl QUAlITY wInE

WACHAU

TRAISEnTAl

nEUSIEDlERSEE

SdoSTSTeIerMArK

kREmSTAl

wEInvIERTEl

SdSTeIerMArK

kAmpTAl

THerMenreGIon

mITTElBURGEnlAnD

WeSTSTeIerMArK

WAGrAM

CArnUnTUM

EISEnBERGSdBUrGenLAnd

WIen

lEITHABERGneUSIedLerSee-HGeLLAnd

QUAlITY wInE

DIvERSITY AnD flEXIBIlITY

WIenSTeIerMArKBUrGenLAndnIederSTerreICH

Maintaining diversity (35 varieties, all styles) and ensuring broad flexibility for individual producers within the frame of the generic designation of origin (federal states).

COnSTRUCTInG A REGIOn-TYpICAl pROfIlE (DAC)

The definition of a few region-typical quality wines specific to wine-growing regions with dAC designation. If the regions define one, two or more wines as typical for their particular region, then those those

wines are designated as dAC.

17STrATeGY For ORIGIn mARkETInG

Niedersterreich

BurgenlandSteiermark

WienOBERSTERREICH

KRNTEN

SALZBURGTIROL

VORARLBERG

8. STrATeGY For ORIGIn mARkETInG

8.1 GenerIC QUALITY WIne: dIVerSITY & FLexIBILITYQuality wines from 35 approved quality grape varieties can originate from 9 generic wine-growing regions - which are designated according to the names of their respective federal states - or specific wine-growing regions. The most impor-tant generic wine-growing regions are niedersterreich, Burgenland, Steiermark and Wien (Vienna).

The Austrian vinicultural policy and the AWMB worked out a double strategy that, on the one side, gives every winemaker in our country plenty of room for innovation, while on the other side promotes some typical wines of origin as archetypes of Austrian wine styles:

18 STrATeGY For orIGIn MArKeTInG

wachau: Grner Veltliner, riesling wagram: Grner Veltliner, (ev. roter Veltliner)Carnuntum: Zweigelt, BlaufrnkischThermenregion: Zierfandler, rotgipfler, St. Laurent, Pinot noirSdoststeiermark: Weiburgunder, Morillon, Sauvignon, TraminerSdsteiermark: Sauvignon, Muskateller, Weiburgunder, Morillonweststeiermark: Schilcherwien: Wiener Gemischter Satz

8.2 SPeCIFIC QUALITY WIne: ProFILeAustria presently has 16 specific wine-growing regions:*

8inthegenericwine-growing-regionniedersterreich: Wachau, Kremstal, Kamptal, Traisental, Wagram, Weinviertel, Carnuntum, Thermenregion;

4inthegenericwine-growing-regionburgenland: neusiedlersee, Leithaberg/neusiedlersee-Hgelland, Mittelburgenland, eisenberg/Sdburgenland;

3inthegenericwine-growing-regionsteiermark: Sd-oststeiermark, Sdsteiermark, Weststeiermark;

wien(vienna)hasaspecialstatus: it is a federal state (generic wine-growing-region) as well as the capital city (specific wine-growing region);

All specific wine-growing regions work on strong profiling with origin-typical terroir wines. For the first step, focal varieties and region-typical wine styles are defined. When this process has been completed, the region can - via the regional and national committees of the Ministry of Agriculture - apply for dAC status. This becomes law through ministerial directive.

a) 8 SpECIfIC REGIOnS wITH fOCAl vARIETIES

Specific wine-growing regions that do not yet carry dAC status (for example, Wagram or Sdsteiermark) can theoreti-cally produce quality wine from 35 varieties. Also here, a few focal grape varieties are regional marketing flagships:

* (actually 18, because Leithaberg and neusiedlersee-Hgelland as well as eisenberg and Sdburgenland are legally separate wine-growing regions. However, this status should change through the creation of neusiedlersee dAC and the elimination of neusiedlersee-Hgelland and Sdburgenland). Wien, or Vienna, is a special case, as it is amongst the generic as well as the specific wine-growing-regions (see above).

SD-OSTSTEIERMARK

WACHAU

WESTSTEIERMARK

WAGRAM

SDSTEIERMARK

THERMENREGION

WIEN CARNUNTUM

19STrATeGY For orIGIn MArKeTInG

At the moment there are officially these following DACs in Austria:

wEInvIERTEl DAC Grner VeltlinerKlassik (Classic): as of the 2002 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reservereserve: as of the 2009 vintage

mITTElBURGEnlAnD DAC Blaufrnkischas of the 2005 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reserve

TRAISEnTAl DAC Grner Veltliner, rieslingas of the 2006 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reserve

kREmSTAl DAC Grner Veltliner, rieslingas of the 2007 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reserve

kAmpTAl DAC Grner Veltliner, rieslingas of the 2008 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reserve

lEITHABERG DAC White wine (PB/WB, CH, GV, nB) White: as of the 2009 vintage red wine (Blaufrnkisch)red: as of the 2008 vintage All wines with reserve status

EISEnBERG DAC BlaufrnkischKlassik (Classic): as of the 2009 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reservereserve: as of the 2008 status

nEUSIEDlERSEE DAC Zweigelt (single varietal or Zweigelt-dominated cuve) as of the 2011 vintage Klassik (Classic) and reserve

b) 8 SpECIfIC DAC wInE-GROwInG REGIOnS

When it has been concluded that a region has an established clear focus and that just one or a few grape varieties should represent that region, the regional Wine Committee can apply - through the national Wine Committee, which is respon-sible for Austrian vinicultural policy - for dAC status with one or a few origin-typical dAC wines. When this application is accepted and given legal status by the Minister of Agriculture, the region is then permitted to designate its origin-typical wines with the name of the particular region together with the addition of dAC (districtus Austriae Controllatus). All other quality wines from the same region are, in this case, designated with the name of the federal state in which the dAC region is located.

WEINVIERTEL DAC

KREMSTAL DACKAMPTAL DAC

TRAISENTAL DAC

LEITHABERG DAC

NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC

MITTELBURGENLAND DAC

EISENBERG DAC

20 STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

1) SHorT WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY WIne TYPe wInE nAmE: ORIGIn STYlE vARIETYA simple structure for inns and trendy bars offering a small assortment of wines: WHITe red SWeeT

wHITE wInES 2011 Wachau Steinfeder Grner Veltliner Terrassen, domne Wachau 2011 Weinviertel dAC Grner Veltliner Zeiseneck, Pfaffl 2010 Kremstal dAC reserve Grner Veltliner Hhlgraben, Malat 2009 Kamptal dAC reserve riesling Gaisberg, Hirsch 2010 Sdsteiermark Klassik Gelber Muskateller, Polz 2010 Sdsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc Poharnig, Sabathi 2010 Wiener Gemischter Satz, Mayer am Pfarrplatz 2010 Leithaberg dAC wei neuburger/Weiburgunder, Tinhof

RED wInES 2011 neusiedlersee dAC Zweigelt Klassik, Pittnauer 2010 niedersterreich Zweigelt, Brndlmayer 2009 Thermenregion reserve St. Laurent, Schneider 2008 Mittelburgenland dAC reserve Blaufrnkisch Biiri, Hans Igler 2009 Burgenland Cuve Bela rex, A. Gesellmann

SwEET wInES 2008 niedersterreich eiswein riesling Schneiderberg, Weinrieder 0,375 2007 Burgenland Beerenauslese Smling, Angerhof Tschida 0,375

9. STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS The new law of denomination has important consequences for the structure of wine lists, which are still insufficiently at-tended to by gastronomy and specialised trade. Still, one may find wrong denominations such as Grner Veltliner dAC or Chardonnay Kamptal in wine or price lists. But it is important that wines are correctly denominated and wine lists are technically correctly structured. In any case, the legal origin must be cited conforming to the law and according to the wine label. often the legal label with all the required data is the back label, so that the front label may be designed attractively. The indication of origin, however, should be cited on the front label in any case. This is already obligatory for the dAC appellations Traisental, Kremstal, Kamptal, Leithaberg and eisenberg.

There are many different possibilities for structuring a wine list. It depends on the type of restaurant, the range of wines and the preferences of the person in charge. But a primary classification of the wines according to basic types is essential for all wine lists.

1st level of Classification: wine Type White wines ros wines red wines Sweet wines (or Predicate wines) Sparkling wines/Semi-sparkling wines (may also be named Sparkles, Bubbles ...). Some exclusive restaurants have two wine lists: Whites (including ros wines, sweet wines and sparkling wines) and reds.

2nd level of Classification: Country (Austria, Italy, france, ) Within the thus structured categories for example White Wines from Austria there are again different subdivisions. Some examples:

STYlE vARIETY ORIGIn: In such a system one first classifies the white wines into Fresh & dry (Classic, Classic dry, Light- and medium-bodied wines) and into Great White Wines (reserve Whites, etc.). So the guest may first select the desired type of wine (We first need a fresh, dry white!). Then he may choose according to variety (more or less aroma-tic, preferences, : Grner Veltliner, riesling, Sauvignon ?), in a next step according to origin/site and finally according to producer.

vARIETY ORIGIn STYlE: one may also firstly differentiate by variety, secondly by origin and finally by style. Within the category variety one would first list the lighter, younger wines in order to facilitate the guests choice.

pRODUCER ORIGIn STYlE vARIETY: extremely comprehensive wine lists with a lot of wines per winegrower or wine lists, which only list a few growers with many of their wines, however, may also be structured by winegrowers (sor-ted by federal provinces/production sites), so that all wines from one winegrower are listed together. Catalogues of the wine trade should be organised in the same way. Within the assortment of one individual grower one organises wines hierarchically, from wines without denomination of origin to Landwein, generic wine region, specific appellation (dAC) and finally the reserves.

21STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

ClASSIC fRESH wHITE wInES 2011 niedersterreich Grner Veltliner Lois, Loimer

2011 Wachau Steinfeder Grner Veltliner Terrassen, domne Wachau

2011 Weinviertel dAC Grner Veltliner Zeiseneck, Pfaffl

2010 Wiener Gemischter Satz, Mayer am Pfarrplatz

2010 Sdsteiermark Gelber Muskateller Klassik, Polz

2011 Sd-oststeiermark Sauvignon Blanc Klassik, neumeister

GREAT wHITE wInES wITH pOwER 2010 Wagram reserve Grner Veltliner Scheiben, Leth

2010 Kremstal dAC reserve Grner Veltliner Wachtberg, Stadt Krems

2009 Kamptal dAC reserve riesling Heiligenstein, Topf

2009 Wachau Smaragd riesling Achleiten, rudi Pichler

2010 Leithaberg dAC wei neuburger/Weiburgunder, Tinhof

2010 Sdsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc, Kranachberg, Sattlerhof

RACY ROSS 2011 Weststeiermark Schilcher Klassik, Langmann

2011 niedersterreich Zweigelt ros Pink!Pepp, ewald Gruber

fRUITY RED wInES 2010 niedersterreich Zweigelt, Brndlmayer

2009 Carnuntum rubin Zweigelt Selection, netzl

2010 Mittelburgenland dAC Classic Blaufrnkisch, Kirnbauer

GREAT RED wInES wITH pOwER 2009 Carnuntum Blaufrnkisch Spitzenberg, Trapl

2009 Thermenregion reserve St. Laurent, Schneider

2009 eisenberg dAC reserve Blaufrnkisch, Wallner

2008 Mittelburgenland dAC reserve Blaufrnkisch Biiri, Hans Igler

2009 Burgenland Cuve Bela rex, A. Gesellmann

2009 Burgenland Cuve Hill 1 (ZW, BF, Me, SY), Hillinger

SwEET GOlD 2008 niedersterreich eiswein riesling Schneiderberg, Weinrieder 0,375

2007 Burgenland Beerenauslese Smling, Angerhof Tschida 0,375

2) More CoMPreHenSIVe WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY STYLe wInE nAmE: ORIGIn STYlE vARIETYA very customer-friendly structure for modern gastronomy offering a wider range of wines, but also quality inns and restaurants with a medium-ranged choice.

22 STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

WHITe WIneS

ClASSIC & DRY

Grner veltliner

2009 Wachau Federspiel Ried Achleiten Weingut Jamek, Joching

2009 Kremstal DAC Weinzierlberg Weingut Stadt Krems

Gemischter Satz 2010 Wiener Gemischter Satz Weingut Zahel, Wien

Gelber muskateller 2010 Sdsteiermark Klassik Lackner-Tinnacher, Gamlitz

Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Sdsteiermark Steirische Klassik Weingut W. Skoff, Gamlitz

pOwERfUl Grner veltliner

2009 Weinviertel DAC Reserve Weingut Bannert, Obermarkersdorf

2009 Wagram Rosenberg Weingut Bernhard Ott, Feuersbrunn

Riesling

2010 Niedersterreich Am Berg Weingut Pfaffl, Stetten

2009 Kamptal DAC Reserve Seeberg Weingut Loimer, Langenlois

2009 Wachau Smaragd Drnsteiner Kellerberg Domne Wachau, Drnstein

Zierfandler

2009 Thermenregion Mandel-Hh Weingut Stadlmann, Schtzen am Gebirge

weiburgunder/pinot blanc

2009 Leithaberg DAC Weingut Prieler, Schtzen am Gebirge

red WIneS

ClASSIC & ElEGAnT Blauer Zweigelt

2009 Carnuntum Riedencuve Weingut Glatzer, Gttlesbrunn

Blaufrnkisch

2010 Eisenberg DAC Weingut Jalits, Badersdorf

DEnSE & RICH Blaufrnkisch

2008 Leithaberg DAC Weingut Tinhof, Eisenstadt

2007 Mittelburgenland DAC Reserve Biiri Weingut Hans Igler, Deutschkreutz

St. laurent 2005 Thermenregion Grande Reserve Weingut Johanneshof, Tattendorf

Cuve 2009 Burgenland Hill 1 (BF, ZW, CS, ME) Leo Hillinger, Jois

2005 Burgenland Bela Rex (CS/ME) Weingut A. Gesellmann, Deutschkreutz

PredICATe WIneS

2009 Burgenland Sptlese Smling Angerhof Tschida, Illmitz

2008 Burgenland TBA Grande Cuve Weinlaubenhof Kracher, Illmitz

2006 Niedersterreich Eiswein Riesling Schneiderberg Weingut Weinrieder, Poysdorf

roS WIneS

2009 Weststeiermark Schilcher Classic Weingut Reiterer, Wies

2011 Niedersterreich Zweigelt Ros Pink!Pepp, Ewald Gruber, Rschitz

3) reSTAUrAnT WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY STYLe And VArIeTY wInE nAmE: ORIGIn STYlEMore comprehensive wine lists need more levels of classification than smaller ones. If one highlights style and/or variety as chapter headings, the single wines can be described relatively clearly and briefly.

23STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

WHITe WIneS

GRNER VELTLINER 2010 NIEDERSTERREICH LOIS, Fred Loimer

2010 KREMSTAL DAC Weinzierlberg, Stadt Krems

2010 TRAISENTAL DAC Rafasetzen, Neumayr

2009 WEINVIERTEL DAC Reserve, Bannert

2009 WAGRAM Rosenberg, Ott

2009 WACHAU SMARAGD Hochrain, Rudi Pichler

RIESLING 2010 NIEDERSTERREICH, Am Berg, Pfaffl

2009 KAMPTAL DAC Reserve Heiligenstein, Jurtschitsch

2009 KREMSTAL DAC Reserve Gottschelle, Stift Gttweig

2009 WACHAU Smaragd, Drnsteiner Kellerberg, Domne Wachau

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2010 SDSTEIERMARK Klassik, Wohlmuth

2010 SDSTEIERMARK Kranachberg, Sattlerhof

GEMISCHTER SATZ 2010 WIENER GEMISCHTER SATZ, Mayer am Pfarrplatz

2009 WIENER GEMISCHTER SATZ Nussberg Alte Reben, Wieninger

ZIERFANDLER/ROTGIPFLER 2009 THERMENREGION Mandl-Hh, Stadlmann

2009 THERMENREGION Rodauner Selektion, Alphart

WEISSBURGUNDER 2010 NIEDERSTERREICH, Malat

2010 LEITHABERG DAC, Prieler

CHARDONNAY (MORILLON) 2010 SD-OSTSTEIERMARK Klassik, Winkler-Hermaden

2010 NIEDERSTERREICH, Brndlmayer

red WIneS

ClASSIC & ElEGAnT Blauer Zweigelt

2009 Carnuntum Riedencuve Weingut Glatzer, Gttlesbrunn

Blaufrnkisch

2010 Eisenberg DAC Weingut Jalits, Badersdorf

DEnSE & RICH Blaufrnkisch

2008 Leithaberg DAC Weingut Tinhof, Eisenstadt

2007 Mittelburgenland DAC Reserve Biiri Weingut Hans Igler, Deutschkreutz

St. laurent 2005 Thermenregion Grande Reserve Weingut Johanneshof, Tattendorf

Cuve 2009 Burgenland Hill 1 (BF, ZW, CS, ME) Leo Hillinger, Jois

2005 Burgenland Bela Rex (CS/ME) Weingut A. Gesellmann, Deutschkreutz

red WIneS

ZWEIGELT 2011 NEUSIEDLERSEE DAC, Renner

2010 NIEDERSTERREICH, Brndlmayer

2010 CARNUNTUM Riedencuve, Glatzer

BLAUFRNKISCH 2010 BURGENLAND, G. & H. Heinrich

2009 LEITHABERG DAC, Birgit Braunstein

2009 MITTELBURGENLAND DAC Reserve, Weninger

2009 EISENBERG DAC Reserve, Krper-Faulhammer

ST. LAURENT 2010 THERMENREGION, Hartl

2009 THERMENREGION Reserve Holzspur, Reinisch

PINOT NOIR 2009 BURGENLAND, Pckl

2009 THERMENREGION Reserve, Schneider

CUVE & OTHER VARIETIES 2009 NIEDERSTERREICH Excellent, Pfaffl

2009 BURGENLAND Bela Rex, Cabernet-Merlot, A. Gesellmann

2009 BURGENLAND Cabernet Sauvignon, Kollwentz

2009 BURGENLAND Syrah, Pckl

PredICATe WIneS

2009 Burgenland Sptlese Smling Angerhof Tschida, Illmitz

2008 Burgenland TBA Grande Cuve Weinlaubenhof Kracher, Illmitz

2006 Niedersterreich Eiswein Riesling Schneiderberg Weingut Weinrieder, Poysdorf

PredICATe WIneS 2010 BURGENLAND SPTLESE Gewrztraminer, Sommer

2008 NIEDERSTERREICH EISWEIN Riesling, Weinrieder

2009 BURGENLAND BEERENAUSLESE Cuve, Kracher

2008 BURGENLAND RUSTER AUSBRUCH Pinot Cuve, Feiler-Artinger

2007 BURGENLAND TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE Scheurebe, Angerhof Tschida

roS WIneS

2009 Weststeiermark Schilcher Classic Weingut Reiterer, Wies

2011 Niedersterreich Zweigelt Ros Pink!Pepp, Ewald Gruber, Rschitz

roS WIneS

2011 NIEDERSTERREICH Zweigelt Ros Pink!Pepp, Ewald Gruber

2010 WESTSTEIERMARK SCHILCHER Klassik, Langmann

4) reSTAUrAnT WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY VArIeTY wInE nAmE: ORIGIn STYlEWine lists with a higher share of Austrian wines, may also be organised according to variety. Modern wine bars and restaurants with a wide offer may also list international wines after the Austrian ones in the respective chapter of the variety, such as Sancerre or Marlborough in the chapter Sauvignon blanc.

24 STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

wHITE wInES fROm AUSTRIA

AlZInGER, Unterloiben/wachau

2010 Wachau Federspiel Grner Veltliner 2010 Wachau Smaragd Grner Veltliner Steinertal 2009 Wachau Smaragd riesling Loibenberg

BUCHEGGER, Dross/kremstal 2010 niedersterreich reserve Chardonnay 2010 Kremstal dAC Grner Veltliner Holzgasse 2009 Kremstal dAC reserve riesling Moosburgerin

HUBER, Reichersdorf/Traisental 2010 Traisental dAC Grner Veltliner Berg 2009 Traisental dAC reserve Grner Veltliner obere Steigen

BRnDlmAYER, langenlois/kamptal 2010 niedersterreich reserve Chardonnay 2010 Kamptal dAC Grner Veltliner Terrassen 2009 Kamptal dAC reserve Grner Veltliner Kferberg 2009 Kamptal dAC reserve riesling Heiligenstein Lyra

SETZER, Hohenwarth/weinviertel 2010 Weinland Grner Veltliner Landwein 2010 niedersterreich riesling 2010 Weinviertel dAC Grner Veltliner Ausstich 2009 Weinviertel dAC reserve Grner Veltliner 8000

SpAETROT, Gumpoldskirschen/Thermenregion

2010 Thermenregion rotgipfler/Zierfandler Groe reserve

ZAHEl, mauer/wien 2010 Wien Grner Veltliner 2010 Wiener Gemischter Satz Classic

pRIElER, Schtzen/leithaberg 2010 Burgenland Chardonnay Sinner 2010 Leithaberg dAC Pinot Blanc

pOlZ, Granitzberg/Sdsteiermark 2010 Sdsteiermark Welschriesling Klassik 2010 Sdsteiermark Weiburgunder Klassik 2009 Sdsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc Hochgranitzberg

5) reSTAUrAnT WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY WIneGroWer wInE nAmE: ORIGIn STYlE vARIETYextremely comprehensive wine lists with many wines per grower as well as lists from restaurants, which offer a wide range of wines from only a few growers, may also be structured by wine grower. In such a case it is recommended to cite the production site and list the producers according to federal province and, within these chapters, according to wineg-rowing regions in geographical progression (west east south) or alphabetically.

25STRUCTURE oF WIne LISTS

RED wInES fROm AUSTRIA

nIEDERSTERREICH 2010 Blauer Portugieser, Schfmann 2009 Cuve rotspon ZW, Me, Pn, Jurtschitsch 2009 reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Malat

CARnUnTUm 2009 Cuve ZW, Pn, Gerhard Markowitsch 2009 Zweigelt dornenvogel, Glatzer 2008 Blaufrnkisch Spitzerberg, Muhr-Van der niepoort

THERmEnREGIOn 2009 Pinot noir Grillenhgel, Johanneshof reinisch 2010 St. Laurent, Aumann

BURGEnlAnD 2009 St. Laurent, A. Gesellmann 2009 Blaufrnkisch Creitzer, A. Gesellmann 2009 Pinot noir drr, rmerhof Kollwentz 2009 Cuve Steinzeiler (BF, CS, ZW), rmerhof Kollwentz 2007 Cuve Admiral (ZW, Me, CS), Pckl

nEUSIEDlERSEE DAC

2011 neusiedlersee dAC Klassik, Pittnauer

lEITHABERG DAC 2009 Leithaberg dAC, Kloster am Spitz 2008 Leithaberg dAC, Tinhof 2008 Leithaberg dAC, Liegenfeld

mITTElBURGEnlAnD DAC 2010 Mittelburgenland dAC Classic, K + K Kirnbauer 2009 Mittelburgenland dAC neuberg Vitikult, K + K Kirnabauer 2008 Mittelburgenland dAC Goldberg, Johann Heinrich 2007 Mittelburgenland dAC reserve drrau, Iby

EISEnBERG DAC 2010 eisenberg dAC Brndlgfangen, Jalits 2009 eisenberg dAC reserve Steinweg, Wachter-Wiesler 2008 eisenberg dAC reserve, Jalits

SDOSTSTEIERmARk

2010 Pinot noir reserve, Winkler-Hermaden

6) reSTAUrAnT WIne LIST ArrAnGed BY orIGIn wInE nAmE: (DAC ORIGIn) vARIETY STYlEone may also structure wine lists according to wine-growing regions/dAC appellations. In such a structure the generic wine-growing region (e.g. Lower Austria) is to be named first, followed by a more specific denomination, such as the ap-pellation or the dAC appellations.

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26 SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

GreAT WIneS ALonG THe dAnUBe. vineyard area: 27,128 ha

10. | nIEDERSTERREICH

27SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

niedersterreich is Austrias largest quality-wine-growing area. This designation stands for a big variety of different wine styles of international and indigenous grape varieties with Grner Veltliner covering 44%. There are eight specific wine-growing regions in niedersterreich, stretching from the Wachau in the west to Carnuntum in the east. These

can be divided into three major climatic zones: the Wein-viertel in the north, the region along the river danube, with its adjoining valleys to the west of Vienna, and the warmer Pannonian part in the south-east of niedersterreich. The extensive Weinviertel region made headlines in 2003, af-ter the region decided to market its signature variety, the peppery Grner Veltliner, using the term Weinviertel. Since then, the Weinviertel dAC designation on the label guaran-tees having a peppery-spiced, fresh style of Veltliner in the wine glass. More powerful wines come under the Wein-viertel reserve designation. The Weinviertels wide range of fresh, aromatic white wines, fruit-driven red wines and even dessert wines now bear the niedersterreich desig-nation of origin. Along the danube, from Melk in the west downstream to Klosterneuburg to the east, passing the Kamp, Traisen and Krems tributaries, are picturesque wine villages lined like pearls on a necklace. Grner Veltliner and

riesling are the flaghship wines of this area with both vari-eties displaying their regional typicity also in Kremstal dAC, Kamptal dAC and Traisental dAC. The steep primary rock sites of the Wachau evolve into loess terraces towards the eastern part of the adjacent Kremstal, which also form the character of the wines in parts of Traisental and Kamptal, but particularly in Wagram, where roter Veltliner has be-come another regional asset alongside Grner Veltliner. In Kamptal, the wines contain a distinctive mineral touch, particularly on the Heiligenstein, with its volcanic soil struc-ture. In this part of niedersterreich, the range of wines are rounded off with specialities like the Weiburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay as well as a select range of ele-gant red wines. Pannonian niedersterreich refers to the region situated south and east of Vienna, and is home to some of Austrias most exciting and outstanding red wines. Both Zweigelt and Blaufrnkisch thrive in Carnuntum and St. Laurent is the speciality in the Thermenregion. Yet there is much more on offer, with regional white wine speciali-ties Zierfandler and rotgipfler flourishing around the wine town of Gumpoldskirchen, and Pinot noir as well as mo-dernblends are becoming increasingly important. Hence niedersterreich offers the diversity in the big land of great wines.

noTeS

28 SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

vineyard area: principal grape varieties: leading viticultural towns:

Spitz, Arnsdorf, Wsendorf, Joching, Weienkirchen, drnstein, Loiben, rossatz, Mautern

Grner Veltliner, riesling 1,350 ha

29SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

In the mid-1980s, a select group of innovative producers in the Wachau created their own codex, aptly called the Vi-nea Wachau, where dry white wines are divided into three categories, based on their natural alcohol content by vo-lume. Aromatic, light-bodied wines up to 11.5% are called Steinfeder (named after the tall, feather-like grass stipa pennata). The most common category is the Federspiel, with 11.5% to 12.5% alcohol by volume, and the late-harvest, rich and powerful, dry wines carry the term Smaragd.

The Wachau is one of Austrias most exciting and fascina-ting wine regions. over millions of years, the danube has gorged its winding waterway through the Gfhl gneiss, a mineral rich composition of migmatitic granite gneiss, quartz, felspar and mica. The weathered primary granite rock soils on steep terraces produce outstanding rieslings. Following the end of the Ice Age, prevailing winds carried drifting sand that settled in the lee of the east-facing hillsi-des, resulting in layers of loess forming. This is where great, opulent and expressive Grner Veltliner is cultivated. These extremely diverse geological terrain, coupled with the con-

struction of terraces in the best aspects, and the cultivation of vines on these steep inclines by the Bavarian monaste-ries during the Middle Ages, has resulted in a spectacular and unique Wachau landscape.The climate also plays a vi-tal role, and two major climatic influences, the western At-lantic and the eastern Pannonian, interlock with each other. Furthermore, each single vineyard has its own microclima-te, depending of its incline, exposure to the sun, soil terrain, as well as factors as the dry stone walls and cliffsides that absorb the suns heat during the day. The effects of the hot, dry summer and the harsh winter are evened out by the in-fluence of the river danube, and cool evening breezes from the more northerly Waldviertel region increase the day and night temperature variation during the important months prior to the harvest. It is thanks to this subtle factor that the fine and precise aromatics of grapes can develop, be in the cooler vineyards in Spitz or the warmer sites in Loiben-berg. This character often gives the wine a cool fruit flavour with subtle tropical fruit notes, ranging from the lean, light-bodied Steinfeder, through the lean structured Federspiel and the rich style of the Smaragd. Upon visiting the historic ambience of the Wachau, it is a must to seek out critically acclaimed producers and recommended restaurants, and these are often within walking distance of each other, for example in Spitz, Weienkirchen, Joching, up to drnstein and Loiben. The southern bank of the danube is also well worth a trip. Alongside riesling and Grner Veltliner, the sovereign varieties with exceptional cellaring potential, the indigenous neuburger, along with Gelber Muskateller (Muscat blanc) and Sauvignon blanc, offer an exquisite tas-te sensation.

10.1. | wACHAU

STeeP TerrACeS. noBLe GrAPeS. MonUMenTAL WIneS.The wachau is a UnESCO world heritage site and region of natural beauty, and lies in the Danube valley between the towns of melk and krems. The varieties Grner veltliner and Riesling prevail on 1,350 hectares, partly on very steep-inclined terraces. The best vineyard sites produce some of the best white wine in the world with decades of aging potential.

30 SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

kREmSTAl dAC (FroM 2007 VInTAGe)

GRApE vARIETIES: Grner Veltliner, riesling

QUAlITY lEvElS: Klassik: Submission of the wine to the Prfnummer tasting commission from 1 January in the year following the harvest; reserve: Submiss ion of the wine to the Prfnummer tasting commission from 15 March in the year following the harvest;

AlCOHOl lEvElS: Klassik: min. 12 Vol %; reserve: min. 13 Vol%;

RESIDUAl SUGAR: dry

TASTE pROfIlE: Klassik: Grner Veltliner: fresh, fruit-driven aromas, aromatic, gentle spice, no botrytis, no oak notes riesling: aromatic, intensive stone fruit aromas, elegant, mineral notes, no botrytis and no oak notes; reserve: opulent and full-bodied wines with pronounced varietal characters, density and with great length. Subtle botrytis and oak aging aromas are permitted;

lABElInG: designation of origin (if applicable incl. reserve) has to be declared on the front label;

Stein, Krems, Senftenberg, rohrendorf, Gedersdorf, Furth

Grner Veltliner, riesling2,243 ha

vineyard area: principal grape varieties: leading viticultural towns:

31SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA) SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

10.2 | kREmSTAl DAC

The culturally rich and historic town of Krems has always had an affinity with wine production with a long and tradi-tional viticultural heritage. nowadays, the prospering town is home to young and dynamic winemakers, an innovative wine co-operative, a state of the art oenolgy and viticul-tural college, as well as the chosen location for the fede-ral state wine fair for niedersterreich. The town of Krems, especially the part called Stein, is geologically similar to the neighbouring Wachau (mostly weathered primary rock soils). It is therefore not surprising that both Grner Veltliner and riesling dominate, and wines with these mi-neral qualities are also found in Senftenberg, as well as in the quaint wine villages along the banks of the small river Krems.

The vineyards to the east of Krems, towards the villages of rohrendorf and Gedersdorf, have a completely different soil structure of deep loess terraces. This not only adds a certain appeal to the landscape, it also produces a softer,

more opulent style of Veltliner. Beyond the southern bank of the danube are the idyllic wine villages of Furth, Palt, Krustetten, Hollenburg, oberfucha and Tiefenfucha, lying beneath the monumental Benedictine Stift Gttweig mo-nastery, which was founded in 1072. Contrary to Krems, there is a real down to earth feeling here, preserved by the quaint Heuriger wine taverns. As with the Wachau and Kamptal wine-growing regions, Kremstal also has its fair share of special climatic conditions, with cool, humid nort-hern breezes from nearby Waldviertel coliding with warm, dry eastern winds from the Pannonian plain. Mouthwate-ring and elegant white Grner Veltliner and riesling wines, but also Weiburgunder and supple, expressive red wines are typical for this historic wine-growing region on the banks of the majestic danube, that apart from wine, has a great deal of other culinary aspects and wine tourism at-tractions on offer.

THe HIGH CULTUre oF WIne.

The 2,243 hectares of vineyards in kremstal are divided into three different zones, starting with rocky soils in the original kremstal river valley and the historic town of krems, along with Stein that joins the wachau in the west, then moving on to the deep loess soils towards the east of krems, and finally the southern bank of the Danube opposite krems, around the magnificent Stift Gttweig monastery. kremstal DAC was introduced in 2007 and stands for the vibrant and spicy Grner veltliner and for delicate, mineral-rich Riesling wines. kremstal DAC wines are available either as in classic fresh medium-bodied styles or as rich, more intense Reserve wines.

32 SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA) SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

kAmpTAl dAC (FroM 2008 VInTAGe)

GRApE vARIETIES: Grner Veltliner, riesling QUAlITY lEvElS: Klassik: Submission of the wine to the Prfnummer tasting commission from 1 January in the year following the harvest; reserve: Submission of the wine to the Prfnummer tasting commission from 15 March in the year following the harvest;

AlCOHOl lEvElS: Klassik: min. 12 Vol %; reserve: min. 13 Vol%;

RESIDUAl SUGAR: dry;

GESCHmACkSpROfIl: Klassik: Grner Veltliner: Grner Veltliner: fruit-driven aromas, gentle spice, no botrytis notes and no oak notes. riesling: delicate, aromatic, intensive fruit aromas, elegant, mineral notes, none or little (required) botrytis and no oak notes; reserve: opulent style, pronounced regional and varietal character, full-bodied with a lingering finish, subtle botrytis note or oak aging is acceptable;

lABElInG: designation of origin (if applicable incl. reserve) has to be declared on the front label;

Langenlois, Zbing, Gobelsburg, Kammern, Strass Grner Veltliner, riesling 3,802 ha

vineyard area: principal grape varieties: leading viticultural towns:

33SPeCIFIed WIne-GroWInG reGIonS In nIEDERSTERREICH (lOwER AUSTRIA)

10.3 | kAmpTAl DAC

Kamptal boasts a variety of terroir, ranging from loess over gravel to striking parcels of primary rock and even volca-nic elements, as on the highly regarded Heiligenstein. The name derives from the blazing sunshine that cause a hot and dry microclimate, and the soil is geologically spectacu-lar, as it originates from 270 million year old Permian Period, being a desert-like sandstone base with volcanic particles.

Along the steep terraces of the south-facing slopes, that in places are so steep that no layers of loess can form a hold, riesling vines are planted, producing powerful, mineral wi-nes with exceptional aging potential. Moving southwards towards the danube, there is a change in the soil structure to wider loess and loam terraces as offering the perfect conditions for traditional, but also full-bodied Grner Vel-tiner, as well as the red and white Pinot varieties and Zwei-gelt. These wines are marketed under the designation of niedersterreich.

Kamptal has the effects of the hot, Pannonian plain heat from the east and the cooler Waldviertel region towards the north west. The fine, delicate aromatics and retained naturally vibrant acidity in the grapes, is due to this unique combination of warm days and cool nights.

A must-visit attraction for wine enthusiasts is the Loisi-um wine experience, with its futuristic visitors centre overground, leading to an underground labyrinth of several hundred year old wine cellars with a light and sound wine experience. other important wine-growing towns within a short distance of Langenlois are Schiltern, Gobelsburg, Haindorf and Zbing, and the important wine commune of Stra im Straertale. Smaller wine villages include etsdorf, Hadersdorf, Kammern, Lengenfeld and Schnberg.

Grner VeLTLIner And rIeSLInG. MILLIonS oF YeArS YoUnG.kamptal gets its name from the river kamp, that flows directly through it, and is also home to Austrias largest wine-producing town, langenlois. with a vineyard area of 3,802 hectares, kamptal is one of the most successful wine re-gions in Austria, and boasts a high proportion of outstanding, quality wine producers. Culture and tourism also play a significant role and effective from the 2008 vintage, the kamptal DAC defines wines made from Grner veltliner or Riesling in two styles, a classic-styled medium-bodied wine and a rich, opulent dry Reserve style.

34 SPe