Ep 240: The Reds of Austria --the Pinot Noir alternatives

Austria Overview: Same latitude as Burgundy – more continental, less Atlantic influence in climate Soils: Range of soils Lots of different grapes Whites: Grüner, Riesling Top reds: Blauer zweigelt with St. Laurent, Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir Great value for $ -- not a lot of mass brands= Austria reds -- growing region overview Pannonian Area – southeast of Vienna Warmer climate Burgenland: in eastern Austria, south of Vienna and along the border with Hungary 14 red wine grape varieties for production of quality wine – 1/3 of Austrian vineyard The Grapes: Blaufränkisch: Origins: Crossing between Blauer Zimmettraube x Gouais Blanc (Weißer Heunisch) Often confused with Gamay In the vineyard: Vigorous, early budding, late ripening, needs warm climate. Can be inky with no flavor if over-cropped but laws keep yields down 6% of total vineyard Flavors: Brambly berry or cherry, fresh acidity with some tannin. Spiciness and depth, with good acidity Key Areas Burgenland: Center of red wine culture in Austria Südburgenland:majority are hobby winemakers, or supplement their income with another job or profession, wines sold in Buschenschank (local taverns) Eisenberg DACis fantastic for lighter style Blaufränkisch with mineral notes Leithaberg DAC–cooler sites away from lake. Often blends of Blaufränkisch with up to 15% Zweigelt, St. Laurent. Fuller bodied with mineral notes. Neusiedlersee: Near Lake Neusiedl. Styles range from unoaked and fruity to oak aged and big, can be blended Niederösterreich, Carnuntum: Aromatic, dark berry notes, peppery spice, licorice and tar with bright freshness Vineyards in three principal hilltops south of the Danube Hot summers and cold winters, an influence that in combination with the moderating effects of the nearby Danube and (Lake Neusiedl) ripen grapes   St. Laurent Origin: From Niederösterreich. Name probably refers to St. Lawrence whose Saint’s day falls on 10 August, when variety veraison begins. In the vineyard: mid-ripening, needs deep soils or irritgation or at risk from late frosts, can develop rot in the fall – very finicky. Low/erratic yields. Can be delicious, ripens earlier than Pinot Noir, can grow on more diverse sites than Pinot – better grape for growers Flavors: Aromatic, velvety/silky, good color, good tannin with sour or dark cherry, blackberry, smoke and black pepper spice. Like a powerful Pinot Key Areas: Mostly SE of Vienna in Burgenland’s Neusiedlersee Thermenregion: Name from thermal, sulphuric water springs. Cistercian monks revitalised viticulture during the Middle Ages West of Vienna in Weinvertel – large region   Zweigelt Origin: 1922 at the Teaching and Research Centre for Viticulture and Horticulture (LFZ) in Klosterneuburg. Cross of Blaufränkisch x St. Laurent. Grandchild of Gouais Blanc and Pinot (like Burgundy) Most widespread red in Austria, in all wine-producing regions In the vineyard: Early budding, earlier ripening than Blaufrankisch, yields are high, have to manage vigor. Demands little from the soil Flavors: Spiced cherry and raspberry withexotic spice, floral notes, and cinnamon.Can be early-drinking with no oak OR stronger wines from barrel aging Can be blended -- with Cabernet and Merlot or with Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent Can be like Beaujolais. Style depends on yield and vinification: bigger yields, simple; low yields -- full-bodied, can age Key Areas: Mostly Niederosterreich -- Kamptal is very good, marketed under the designation of "Niederösterreich". In Weinviertel north of Vienna Best wines from Neusiedlersee, Burgenland: reflects the region's climate and soil Pinot Noir One to watch. Can range – light and boring to more layered examples _________________________________________ Thank you to our sponsors this week who make the podcast possible:   YOU! The podcast supporters on Patreon, who are helping us to make the podcast possible and who we give goodies in return for their help!Check it out today: https://www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   The Great Courses Plus  Who doesn't want to learn!? The Great Courses Plus makes you smarter and more well rounded. With thousands of outstanding video lectures that you can watch or listen to any time and anywhere, The Great Courses Plus is an easy way to stimulate your brain and make you smarter! Challenge yourself! Learn guitar like I'm trying to with Learn How to Play Guitar For a free trial, support the show and go to my special URL www.thegreatcoursesplus.com/wine          Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.