Austria Flashcards

(121 cards)

1
Q

What was the impact of Probus’s repeal on Austrian winemaking?

A

Austrian winemaking began to flourish in the Roman era

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Which historical figures influenced the development of vines in Austria?

A

Charlemagne and the Cistercian monks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

By what century had Vienna become a major center for wine trade?

A

The 13th century

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What was a significant milestone for Austrian wines in 1526?

A

The first record of Trockenbeerenauslese

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What events in the 17th century affected Austrian wine production?

A

War and taxes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What challenges did Austrian vines face after the arrival of American diseases?

A

Fungal diseases (oidium, peronospora) and root louse

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What institution focused on grape crossings and higher yields in Austria?

A

A viticultural research institute at Klosterneuburg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Who developed the Hochkultur system, and when did it gain popularity?

A

Dr. Lenz Moser in the 1920s, gained popularity in the 1950s

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What was a major consequence of the shift to high-volume winemaking?

A

A toll on quality and body of wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What scandal decimated Austria’s wine industry in 1985?

A

The antifreeze scandal involving diethylene glycol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What was diethylene glycol used for in the wine scandal?

A

To give a light wine some added texture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What was the public reaction to the antifreeze scandal?

A

Customers cancelled orders worldwide

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What new measures did Austria take after the 1985 scandal?

A

Drafting some of the strictest wine laws in Europe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the most cultivated white variety in Austria?

A

Grüner Veltliner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What percentage of Austria’s vineyard acreage is occupied by white varieties?

A

67%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are the four major winemaking regions in Austria?

A

Niederösterreich, Wien, Burgenland, Steiermark

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What red grape variety leads in plantings in Austria?

A

Zweigelt

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Fill in the blank: The indigenous white variety that occupies 31% of Austria’s vineyard acreage is _______.

A

Grüner Veltliner

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the three levels of quality defined by Austrian wine law?

A

Wein, Landwein, Qualitätswein

Qualitätswein is the highest caliber, while Wein is a generic category and Landwein is a regional wine classification.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What percentage of Austria’s total wine production is Qualitätswein?

A

About 80%

Qualitätswein is sourced from specific wine regions and must meet strict quality standards.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is required for a wine to be labeled as Qualitätswein?

A

Must pass a tasting panel and chemical analysis

Indicated by a State Control Number (Prüfnummer) and the inclusion of a banderole.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What does Wein refer to in Austrian wine classification?

A

A generic category that replaced Tafelwein

It may carry a vintage date and a variety on the label.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What geographic areas are encompassed by Landwein?

A

Weinland, Steirerland, Bergland

Each corresponds to specific regions within Austria.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the maximum yield for all three levels of quality in Austrian wine?

A

9,000 kg/ha (75 hl/ha)

Minimum must weights increase with each level of quality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Into what categories can Qualitätswein be subdivided?
Prädikatswein, Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) ## Footnote These categories have specific regulations and characteristics.
26
What is a unique characteristic of Austrian Kabinett wines?
Considered a subset of Qualitätswein ## Footnote Unlike in Germany, Kabinett wines in Austria cannot undergo chaptalization or addition of Süssreserve.
27
What types of wines are included in Austria's Prädikatswein hierarchy?
Strohwein, Ausbruch ## Footnote Strohwein is a dried grape wine, while Ausbruch is a sweet specialty from Rust.
28
Where are most of Austria's sweet wines produced?
Around the lake of Neusiedlersee in Burgenland ## Footnote Most of the country's white wines are fermented dry.
29
What is the purpose of the DAC system in Austrian wine?
To align Austrian regions with wine profiles in consumer perception ## Footnote This system is inspired by French and Italian wine classification.
30
As of 2023, how many DACs are there in Austria?
18 DACs ## Footnote Each DAC has specific rules regarding grape varieties and production standards.
31
What does the Austrian Sekt Committee aim to achieve?
Bring international attention to high-quality Sekt ## Footnote Formed in 2013, with legal categories established in 2016.
32
What are the three distinct Sekt Austria PDOs recognized in 2022?
Sekt Austria, Sekt Austria Reserve, Sekt Austria Grosse Reserve ## Footnote Each has specific production and aging requirements.
33
What is the minimum aging requirement for Sekt Austria?
Nine months on the lees ## Footnote This applies to traditional method wines.
34
What additional requirements are mandated starting at the Reserve level of Sekt?
Traditional method, hand-harvesting, whole-cluster pressing ## Footnote Minimum aging of 18 months on the lees is also required.
35
What must be stated on the label for Grosse Reserve Sekt?
The wine village from which the grapes are sourced ## Footnote Vineyard names may also appear on the label.
36
What is the minimum aging requirement for Grosse Reserve Sekt?
36 months on the lees ## Footnote Grosse Reserve must also not exceed 12 grams per liter of residual sugar.
37
What is Niederösterreich?
Niederösterreich, or Lower Austria, is the largest winegrowing region in the county.
38
How does Niederösterreich compare in size to Burgenland?
Niederösterreich contains more than twice the planted vineyard area of Burgenland.
39
What geographic feature characterizes southern Niederösterreich?
The alpine terrain yields to the Pannonian Plain.
40
What type of soils dominate the Pannonian Plain?
Loess soils.
41
What is the climate like in Niederösterreich?
Continental climate with hot, dry summers and severe winters.
42
What influences the pronounced seasonal divide in Niederösterreich?
The continental climate.
43
Along which river are most of Niederösterreich's subzones located?
The Danube River.
44
How many subzones are there in Niederösterreich?
There are a total of eight subzones.
45
Name three subzones of Niederösterreich.
* Weinviertel * Carnuntum * Traisental
46
What is the significance of DAC status?
As of 2023, all of the subzones have earned DAC status.
47
What is unique about Weinviertel?
It is Niederösterreich's largest subzone and Austria's first DAC.
48
What type of wine does Weinviertel produce?
Fresher, lighter wines in a cooler climate.
49
What must DAC wines from Weinviertel be produced from?
Grüner Veltliner.
50
What is the minimum alcohol content for Weinviertel DAC wines?
12%.
51
What tasting characteristics are required for Weinviertel DAC wines?
Distinct peppery note with no obvious wood or botrytis tones.
52
What debuted with the 2009 vintage in Weinviertel?
A Reserve category for fuller-bodied wines.
53
What is the minimum alcohol content for Weinviertel Reserve wines?
13%.
54
What grape varieties are allowed in Traisental and Kremstal DACs?
* Grüner Veltliner * Riesling
55
What are the labeling categories for Traisental and Kremstal DAC wines?
Classic (Klassik) or Reserve.
56
What is the minimum alcohol content for Classic examples in Traisental and Kremstal?
12%.
57
What grape varieties are allowed in Kamptal DAC?
* Grüner Veltliner * Riesling * Chardonnay * Weissburgunder * Pinot Gris
58
What distinguishes Grüner varietal wines from Kamptal compared to Weinviertel?
A more delicate spice rather than pungent white pepper.
59
What is Langenlois known for?
It is one of Austria's most important wine towns.
60
What is the designation for top vineyard sites in Kremstal, Kamptal, Wagram, and Traisental?
Erste Lage.
61
How many vineyard sites can use the Erste Lage designation as of 2019?
81 vineyard sites.
62
What organization elevated vineyard sites to Erste Lage status?
Österreichische Traditionsweingüter.
63
What does the term 'Ried' indicate in vineyard naming?
A top site.
64
Is the Erste Lage classification legally recognized?
No, it does not yet have legal status.
65
What is the relationship between Erste Lage and the DAC concept?
The organization is closely aligning itself with the DAC concept.
66
Where are many of the best vineyards in Austria located?
In the Wachau, Niederösterreich's westernmost subregion ## Footnote The Wachau region is known for its steep slopes along the Danube River.
67
What geographical feature moderates the climate in the Wachau?
The Danube River and cool northern winds ## Footnote These elements help retain high natural acidity in the wines.
68
What type of soil is primarily found in the Wachau vineyards?
A combination of loess and Gföhl (gneiss) with alluvial sand ## Footnote This soil structure is crucial for the quality of the wines produced.
69
Which two grape varieties excel in the Wachau region?
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling ## Footnote These are considered Austria's most extracted, ageworthy white wines.
70
What is the significance of the vineyard of Achleiten?
It is home to some of the most pedigreed vines in the Wachau ## Footnote Notable estates in this area include FX Pichler, Prager, and Emmerich Knoll.
71
What organization were Pichler, Prager, and Knoll historically part of?
Vinea Wachau ## Footnote This organization upholds strict natural winemaking principles.
72
What are the key tenets of the Codex Wachau?
No additives, no aromatization, no fractionation ## Footnote This includes practices like de-alcoholization and the use of new barriques.
73
What percentage of the Wachau's vineyard acreage is controlled by Vinea Wachau members?
More than 85% ## Footnote Founded in 1983, Vinea Wachau plays a significant role in the region's wine production.
74
How are wines categorized in the Wachau DAC system?
Three-tier system: regional wines (Gebietsweine), village wines (Ortsweine), single-vineyard wines (Riedenweine) ## Footnote Each tier has specific regulations regarding grape varieties.
75
What is the maximum number of varieties allowed for regional wines (Gebietsweine)?
17 varieties ## Footnote This includes the Gemischter Satz blend.
76
What must all grapes used in Wachau wines be?
Hand-harvested ## Footnote This rule applies to all tiers of wines in the region.
77
What are the three stylistic categories created by Vinea Wachau for labeling wines?
Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd ## Footnote Each category has specific must weight and alcohol requirements.
78
What is the minimum must weight for Steinfeder wines?
15° KMW ## Footnote Steinfeder is the lightest style with a maximum alcohol of 11.5%.
79
What does Federspiel refer to in terms of wine production?
A medieval falconer's lure ## Footnote It has a minimum must weight of 17° KMW and a final alcohol range of 11.5 to 12.5%.
80
What is the minimum alcohol level for Smaragd wines?
12.5% ## Footnote Smaragd wines must also have a minimum must weight of 18.2° KMW.
81
What is unique about Wagram's grape production?
Grüner Veltliner is the main grape, with Roter Veltliner as a specialty ## Footnote Roter Veltliner is an unrelated red grape produced as a white wine.
82
What is the climate like in the Thermenregion?
Experiences the full force of the hot Pannonian summers ## Footnote This region is known for its rare white grapes Rotgipfler and Zierfandler.
83
Which red wine is primarily produced in Carnuntum?
Zweigelt ## Footnote The climate in Carnuntum is similar to that of Burgenland.
84
What type of wine production is still popular in Carnuntum?
Gemischter Satz (traditional field blends) ## Footnote This reflects the region's historical wine practices.
85
What region produces Austria's best red and sweet white wines?
Burgenland ## Footnote Burgenland borders Hungary and shares many viticultural traits with Sopron.
86
What climate influences Burgenland's viticulture?
Hot continental, Pannonian climate tempered by Neusiedlersee ## Footnote Neusiedlersee is a large, shallow lake that affects the climate.
87
What are the six DAC zones in Burgenland as of 2020?
* Mittelburgenland * Leithaberg * Eisenberg * Neusiedlersee * Rosalia * Rust ## Footnote DAC stands for Districtus Austriae Controllatus.
88
What grape is primarily used in Mittelburgenland DAC red wines?
Blaufränkisch ## Footnote Reserve wines undergo an additional year of aging.
89
What is the minimum alcohol content for Reserve wines in Mittelburgenland DAC?
13% ## Footnote Regular wines have a minimum alcohol content of 12.5%.
90
What are the permitted types of casks for aging in Mittelburgenland DAC?
Large casks or used wood ## Footnote Barrique-aging is allowed but regulated.
91
Which DAC in Burgenland allows both red and white wines?
Leithaberg ## Footnote The capital of Burgenland, Eisenstadt, is located within this DAC.
92
What white grape varieties are used in Leithaberg DAC?
* Grüner Veltliner * Chardonnay * Neuburger * Weissburgunder ## Footnote White wines may be blends or single varietal.
93
What is the minimum percentage of Blaufränkisch required in Eisenberg DAC red wines?
85% ## Footnote Similar stipulations on wood aging as in Mittelburgenland DAC.
94
What are the characteristics of Blaufränkisch wines?
* Medium weight * Supple texture * Deep color * Spicy red and black fruit flavors ## Footnote Known as Lemberger in Germany and Kékfrankos in Hungary.
95
What grape is associated with the Neusiedlersee DAC?
Zweigelt ## Footnote The wines may be Classic or Reserve bottlings.
96
What is the minimum alcohol content for Reserve wines in Rosalia DAC?
13% abv ## Footnote At the reserve level, single vineyards may be indicated on the label.
97
What types of wines does Rosalia DAC permit?
* Monovarietal wines from Blaufränkisch or Zweigelt * Dry rosé wines from red Qualitätswein grapes ## Footnote Varietal labeling is not allowed.
98
What is the significance of the village of Illmitz in Neusiedlersee?
Home to the Alois Kracher estate, famous for sweet wines ## Footnote Known for legendary eiswein, BA, and TBA bottlings.
99
What traditional sweet wine is produced in Rust?
Ausbruch ## Footnote This wine dates back to the 17th century.
100
What is the minimum KMW for grapes harvested for Ausbruch?
30° KMW ## Footnote Approximately 156° Ochsle.
101
What grapes are traditionally used for Ruster Ausbruch?
* Furmint * Chardonnay * Muskateller * Pinot Blanc * Neuburger * Welschriesling * Traminer * Pinot Gris ## Footnote Furmint was traditionally used, but modern production often includes other varieties.
102
When was DAC status granted to sweet white wines in Burgenland?
2020 ## Footnote Ruster Ausbruch DAC was formed for sweet white wines from Rust.
103
What does Neusiedlersee DAC include as of its expansion?
Sweet whites in addition to Classic and Reserve red wines based on Zweigelt ## Footnote This reflects the growing recognition of sweet whites.
104
What is Styria also known as?
Steiermark ## Footnote Styria is a mountainous region located to the south of Burgenland.
105
What are the three subregions of Styria?
* Südsteiermark * Weststeiermark * Vulkanland Steiermark ## Footnote These subregions contribute to the diversity of wine production in Styria.
106
What percentage of Austria's vineyards are located in Styria?
Approximately 9% ## Footnote This highlights the region's contribution to the national wine industry.
107
Which grape variety is the most cultivated in Styria?
Sauvignon Blanc ## Footnote Sauvignon Blanc performs well in the volcanic slopes of Vulkanland Steiermark.
108
Who is a leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc in Südsteiermark?
Manfred Tement ## Footnote He excels in both unoaked and barrique-aged versions of Sauvignon Blanc.
109
What is the Schilcherland DAC known for?
Promoting racy rosé from the ancient grape, Blauer Wildbacher ## Footnote The Schilcherland DAC existed only in the 2017 vintage.
110
What are the classifications for Schilcherland DAC wines?
* Klassic * Ried ## Footnote Klassic wines are standard, while Ried wines come from single vineyards.
111
How many DACs did Styria earn in 2018?
Three DACs ## Footnote These correspond to the regions: Vulkanland Steiermark DAC, Südsteiermark DAC, and Weststeiermark DAC.
112
What is the System of Origin Steiermark?
A three-tiered classification system for wines ## Footnote It promotes regional wines and sets quality standards, including Regional Wine, Ortswein, and Reidenwein.
113
What is the base level of the System of Origin Steiermark pyramid?
Regional Wine ## Footnote This is the foundation of the quality classification system.
114
What is required for Ortswein and Reidenwein classifications?
Longer aging and focus on the best grape varieties ## Footnote These classifications ensure higher quality in wine production.
115
Where is Wien located?
On the Danube River ## Footnote Wien is surrounded by the Niederösterreich subzones.
116
What is unique about Wien in terms of wine production?
It has its own wine appellation within city limits ## Footnote It is the only capital city in Europe with this distinction.
117
What type of wine is commonly produced by Viennese winemakers?
Gemischter Satz ## Footnote This wine is a blend of at least three varieties.
118
What is heuriger?
A nouveau wine consumed in its infancy ## Footnote Heuriger is typically enjoyed in taverns of the same name.
119
When did Wiener Gemischter Satz receive its DAC?
In 2013 ## Footnote This recognition elevated the status of this wine style.
120
What is Sturm?
A half-fermented, sparkling grape juice ## Footnote Sturm is often consumed during harvest-time meals.
121
Austria Map