Wines: Austria

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Wines: Austria

Austria's reputation for its wine has progressively matched that of its great stem ware (Riedel and Schott Zwiesel, to name a couple) and is now offering some of the best values at all price points. Split up into three main regions, the majority of production occurs in the flat fertile plains of Niederösterreich, or Lower Austria, in the north east corner of the country. The sub-regions of Kamptal, Kremstal, and Wachau offer some of the finest Rieslings and national specialty, Gruner Veltiner, Austria's number one grape which accounts for a third of vines across the country. Burgenland is Austria's second largest and sunniest region. Known for its reds and sweet botrytized whites, red grapes Zweiglet and Blaufränkisch is increasing popularity producing light wines similar to intensity to Pinot Noir. Although most white wine varieties are diminishing in prominence Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat are on the up. Lastly, Seiermark or Styria, the country's most southerly and smallest region accounting for about 7% of output. A lot of which is consumed locally at Huerigen, or bars, set up by the winemakers. Welschriesling is the most popular however Sauvignon Blanc is quickly catching up.