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 October Wine Tasting 

Austrian Wines

Wednesday, October 12, 2021 7 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. MT

Austrian Wines

Austrian wine is for those who like delicately perfumed aromatics and mouth-watering acidity. It makes sense that Austria would grow wines with great elegance and acidity, because the country is on the same parallel as northern France and Canada. Despite being known for white wines, there is also a richer side of Austrian wine found in Blaufränkisch, a red wine variety that can be made very opulent with oak-aging.

Wines to Purchase

You will need to prepare for our online, interactive tasting session by obtaining the following moderately priced ($15 – $20/bottle) wines that are a similar mid-range quality.

If you are not able to find these particular wines, you may substitute another wine but it should be from the same growing area and in the same ‘style’ and price range as the ones listed below:

The wines below can be obtained from www.totalwine.com

Monopole Rioja

Berger Gruner Veltliner Kremstel ($15.49)

Kremstal, Austria- Fresh and expressive, with citrus, floral and mineral flavors that linger in the mouth. It practically invites you to have a second glass. A very pretty fragrance, and the palate is remarkably salty and expressive.

Crianza rioja

Winzer Krems Blauer Zweigelt ($17.99)

This fresh and fruit-filled red is made from the Zweigelt, the most widely planted red grape varietal in Austria. This nicelybalanced and easy drinking red boasts bright, fresh cherry flavors and is reminiscent of Beaujolais

Reserva rioja

Elfenhof Blaufrankisch AbendRot ($21.99)

Austria- Grapes that were very ripe and wonderfully sweet at late harvest help to capture the exuberant character of the Blaufrankisch. This agile-full-bodied red has a firm structure and fine, ripe tannins.

Preparing for the Austrian Wine Tasting

To prepare for the tasting, please make sure to have the following:

  • Tasting Glasses – 3 identical clear wine glasses with stems
  • A computer equipped with a camera and speakers (and/or a headset)
  • A pencil or pen to complete your tasting form
  • A glass of water
  • Water, a spit bucket, wine opener (or Coravin if you have one)

We will examine the great potential for food pairing with Rioja wines by tasting with your food choices and having a discussion about your wine and food pairing experiences:  Try one or more of the following:

Austria is one of the world’s coolest growing areas for Vitus Vinifera (specifically wine grapes), so all of the wines will be fairly high on the acidic scale.  Low in alcohol, they are famously good for pairing with light, spicey, salty and/or fried foods.  Check out the pairing versatility of your wine selections:

With the Gruner Veltliner:

  • Oysters, Clams, Mussels, Octopus, Shrimp, Crab
  • Frito Misto
  • Fish, with lemon sauce
  • Sushi

With the Red Wines:

  • Hard, salty cheeses
  • Pasta with creamy sauces
  • Salmon
  • Grilled Vegetables
  • Game Birds

Once your registration is complete, you will receive information on how to connect with the Zoom meeting.

Wine Geek Members (INCLUDED)