Ultimate Wine Guide 2018/19

WHITE WINE VARIETIES
frosts, and even against humidity. On the other
hand, it ripens too early. The resulting wine
has no particular bouquet, tends to be of high
alcohol content, and is mild in acidity. The
Frühroter Veltliner is by no means a trendy
variety and makes up only 0.9 % of the Austrian
vineyards.
FURMINT
This rare variety originates from the Tokaj region
in north-eastern Hungary. It is the main
component of the Hungarian Tokaji wine and
has noth ing to do with the Tokay d’Alsace. In
Austria it is encountered almost exclusively in
Burgenland, particularly in the region around
Rust where it is experiencing a small renaissance.
The Furmint is demand ing of its location
and requires warm, well-drained soils. It
is sensitive to oidium, but has good resistance
to botrytis. The wine is yellow-green when fermented
dry and golden yellow in colour when
sweet. It is intense in bouquet, often reminiscent
of chamomile and quince, usually high in
alcohol, and possesses racy acidity. Because it
can achieve high degrees of extract and alcohol,
it is very well suited to vinification of
sweet predicated wines.
GELBER MUSKATELLER
Synonym: Muscat Blanc á petits grains
Muscat is usually fermented dry in Austria and
comprises a fragrant, light aperitif wine with
refreshing acidity. Muscat has been documented
in the Wachau since 1400. This variety also
has a long tradition in Steiermark and Burgenland,
yet the vineyard area remains very small
since it is extremely susceptible to rot. It is very
demanding of its location, sensitive to frost
and fungal attacks, matures late, but is suitable
for almost any soil, except lime. In addition to
racy, fragrant, light, dry wines, fascinating
sweet wines are also made from this variety in
Austria. The best sweet examples can age for
decades.
GEWÜRZTRAMINER
Synonyms: Roter Traminer,
Gelber Traminer, Traminer
In Austria, Traminer finds its most significant
dissemination in Burgenland, the Thermenregion,
and Steiermark. It is very demanding
of its location and soil, has a low tolerance
for lime, and is sensitive to frost. The wine
typically displays an intense medium yellow
to golden-yellow colour, occasionally with a
slightly reddish shimmer. The fragrance is intense
and reminiscent of rose petals and
marshmallow. Gewürztraminer achieves its
best quality in the upper predicated sweet
wine categories and is quite capable of extended
ageing. Despite being considered a
noble, aristocratic wine, it is not currently
the trend among consumers. Fortunately
there is a committed community of fans, and
its continued existence in Austria is secured.
GRAUER BURGUNDER
Synonyms: Ruländer, Pinot Gris
This noble variety stems from Burgundy and
was brought into Austria and Hungary in the
14th century by Cistercian monks. Its highest
density can be found in north ern Burgenland,
where the Cistercians were once very diligent
viticulturists. Pinot Gris requires deep soils
that are rich in nutrients and a good welldrained
location with regular access to a good
supply of water. Fruit maturity is reached relatively
soon, however the vintage is usually
not until the beginning of October. A wine
with an intensive golden-yellow colour that
sometimes has a mild reddish shimmer and a
delicious varietal bouquet with a touch of
honey. It is typically full bodied and can reach
high levels of alcohol. It currently makes up
less than 0.5 % of Austrian vineyards.
WINE GUIDE 2018
falstaff
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