The Wines of Germany and Austria
Understanding the wines of Germany and Austria can be a bit overwhelming; the varietals sound strange and are difficult to pronounce, the labels include all sorts of foreign words like ‘qualitätswien’ and ‘Trockenbeerenauslese’, and the wine styles are very different than what the typical U.S. wine consumer is used to. But if you give these wine producing countries a chance, they typically do not disappoint.
Germany and Austria have long been regarded as producers of high quality white wines that can age an exceptionally long time due to their higher acidity levels. These two countries are located in close proximity to each other and therefore are thought to have similar climates, wine styles, and wine classification systems, and thus are often talked about like they are one wine producing region. However, there are many differences that set Germany and Austria apart as well.
Germany, the northernmost wine producing country in the world, is known for producing elegant Rieslings and high quality Eiswien (Ice wine), but is also producing some beautiful Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). Most of the vineyards in Germany are planted along the Rhine River as Spring tends to arrive late and Autumn comes early and large bodies of water have a moderating effect on the climate. Germany also has some of the steepest vineyard slopes in the world (up to 76°!), which can make growing and harvesting the grapes a difficult and very dangerous task. Their wine quality has been up and down for the past few decades, but now German wine producers have really begun to focus on producing premium quality wines, which has made them very competitive in the global wine scene.
Austria has traditionally been regarded as an innovator in premium winemaking production and as a producer of high quality wines. However, their reputation was put on the line after the ‘Austrian wine scandal’ of 1985 when producers were adding diethylene glycol (anti-freeze) to their white wines to make them sweeter. Fortunately, levels were so low that no one was harmed, but the reputation of the Austrian wine industry was ruined. As a result, the Austrian government created strict, highly exemplary wine production laws to regain the quality standards Austria was previously known for. Austria has come a long way since 1985, and aided with government support, they are making some of the finest white and red wines in the world.
The above is only a brief background of the wine countries of Germany and Austria, but if interested in learning more the numerous wine varieties produced in these countries and their classification systems among other things, check out the following Web sites:
Germany: http://germanwineusa.org/destination_germany/regions.php
Austria: http://www.winesfromaustria.com
The following are a few great examples of German and Austrian wines that can be easily purchased through K&L wine merchants (www.klwines.com) and Beverages and More! I found that another great place to search for wines is at www.wineaccess.com.
2005 Josef Leitz Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck Spätlese, $33.99
This Riesling exhibits floral aromas with flavors of mineral, peach, apple, rose, and nut oil. This wine is quite low in alcohol which is typical of many German wines as they are generally not fermented to dryness. This is because Riesling usually has high acid levels and leaving a bit of residual sugar helps to balance the wine. This wine can be consumed now but will age for the next 8-26 years.
8% Alc.
2004 August Kesseler Assmanshausen Höllenberg Spätburgunder, $49.99
The dark fruit aromas in this Spätburgunder, or Pinot Noir, are complimented with flavors of black current, clove, spice, bitter almonds with a lingering, velvety finish. This wine was produced from grapes grown in the famed Rheingau region of Germany.
14% Alc.
2006 Nigl Riesling Kremser Kremsleiten, $36.99
This full bodied Austrian Riesling has attractive aromas of peach, apricot, and citrus with flavors of vanilla, honey, and a slight minerality with a balanced, enduring finish. Made from the very well known Austrian producer, Nigl, this is one of the best Rieslings I’ve ever tasted!
14.5% Alc.
2006 F.X. Pichler Smaragd Kellerberg Grüner Veltliner, $90
Another renowned Austrian producer, F.X. Pichler, makes exceptional Grüner Veltliner wines at varying complexities. The Kellerberg, a famous vineyard in the Wachau region, produced this stunning Grüner Veltliner wine which has layers upon layers of tropical fruit aromas and flavors. On the palate, numerous flavors show through such as mango guava, ripe peach, green apple, honey, apricots and a hint of flinty minerals. The finish is rich and strong; this wine will stay fresh for at least another fifteen years.
11.8% Alc.
**Please drink responsibly
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Thank you very much for this article!
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