Austria

Question 1

What is the PDO system in Austria?

Answer 1

No GI - Wein

PGI - Landwein

PDO - Qualitatswein (generic region)

DAC - Qualitatswein from a specified region. Must be made with the specified grapes in the specified style.

Question 2

How does the Pradikat system work in Austria?

Answer 2

It works the same as in Germany but is usually reserved for medium-sweet and sweet wines.

There is the additional level of Strohwein or Schilfwein (bunches laid on straw during winter to concentrate sugars).

Pradikatswein cannot be labelled with the specific region if a DAC already exists and instead must use the generic region.

Question 3

What are the key white grapes of Austria?

Answer 3

Gruner Veltliner
Riesling
Welschriesling

Question 4

What are the key black grapes of Austria?

Answer 4

Blaufrankisch (bright, lifted, black sour cherry)
St Laurent (similar to pinot noir)
Zweigelt (B X SL)

Oak is common!