Austria

We’re constantly amazed by the consistently excellent quality of Austrian wines across all the many styles that they produce. It helps that the signature grape variety, Grüner Veltliner makes a distinctive clean and fresh style with a peppery touch. This single-minded pursuit is further aided by a dynamic marketing body, sustainable viticulture and the avoidance of fruity, medium Germanic styles of white. The west of Austria is good for skiing but too mountainous for proper wine production whereas the east of the country around Vienna has rolling land and a dry climate, making it ideal for vines. About two thirds of the plantings are white grapes and one third black grapes which make red wines with softness and body. And don’t overlook the brilliant, sweet wines which are world class!