Junior Sommelier Course - Top Austrian and German Wine Grapes and Blends

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Next, our Junior Sommelier Course takes us to Austrian and German. These regions have a rich viticultural history and are renowned for producing exceptional wines with unique flavors and styles."
Austria and Germany are home to a remarkable array of grape varieties, each contributing its own distinct character to the wines. From the vibrant Zweigelt to the elegant Riesling, let's embark on a journey to explore the fascinating wine grapes of these regions."
Let's begin with Zweigelt, a red wine grape variety that thrives in Austria. A cross between St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt is the most widely planted red grape in the country. It produces medium to full-bodied wines with high acidity, revealing flavors of red fruit, cherry, and spice. While Austria is its primary home, Zweigelt is also cultivated in Germany, Hungary, and other countries, showcasing its versatility in both blends and varietal wines. The aging potential of Zweigelt is often enhanced by oak barrel aging, adding additional layers of complexity to the wine."
Next, we have Blaufränkisch, another captivating red wine grape primarily grown in Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. Blaufränkisch wines boast medium to full body, firm tannins, and enticing flavors of dark fruit, spices, and herbs. With their aging potential, these wines develop complex aromas and flavors over time, truly showcasing the grape's potential. Blaufränkisch thrives in cool, dry climates and finds its ideal expression in the limestone and clay soils of Central Europe. It is often blended with other local grape varieties to create distinctive and flavorful wines."
We must not forget Sankt Laurent, a grape variety renowned for producing wines with dark fruit flavors of black cherry and plum, as well as spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. While not as widely recognized as other grape varieties, Sankt Laurent holds a special place in Austrian winemaking, particularly in the Burgenland and Thermenregion regions. It is loved for its elegance and versatility in expressing the unique terroir of these regions."
Now, let's explore the captivating white wine grape variety known as Grüner Veltliner, which is predominantly grown in Austria. Grüner Veltliner wines are distinguished by their high acidity, crisp minerality, and flavors of green apple, citrus, and white pepper. This versatile grape can be crafted into a range of styles, from light and refreshing to full-bodied and complex. While often enjoyed as dry, unoaked wines, Grüner Veltliner is also used in the production of sparkling and sweet wines. Its popularity has spread beyond Austria, with vineyards in the United States, such as in Oregon and Washington, embracing its potential."
No discussion of German and Austrian wine can go without Riesling.
Riesling is a white grape variety that is primarily grown in Germany and Austria but is also found in other cool-climate wine regions around the world. It is one of the most celebrated and esteemed grape varieties globally, known for its exceptional quality and versatility.
Riesling wines are highly aromatic, offering a captivating bouquet of floral aromas, such as jasmine and honeysuckle, as well as vibrant fruit notes of green apple, citrus, and stone fruit. What sets Riesling apart is its remarkable ability to showcase the characteristics of its terroir, expressing the nuances of the soil, climate, and vineyard site where it is grown. This attribute makes Riesling a wine enthusiast's favorite, as it provides a sense of place and a unique drinking experience.
One of the remarkable aspects of Riesling is its remarkable range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Dry Rieslings showcase pronounced acidity, which provides a refreshing and zesty character to the wine, often accompanied by mineral notes. On the other hand, the sweeter Rieslings exhibit a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, with flavors of ripe fruit and honey, and a long, lingering finish.
Germany is renowned for its exceptional Rieslings, particularly in the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz regions. The wines from these regions showcase elegance, purity, and finesse. In Austria, Riesling is grown predominantly in the Wachau, Kremstal, and Kamptal regions, producing wines with intense flavors, crisp acidity, and excellent aging potential.
Riesling's versatility extends to food pairings as well. Its vibrant acidity and diverse flavor profile make it a great companion for a wide range of dishes. It pairs exceptionally well with seafood, poultry, spicy cuisine, and dishes with a touch of sweetness, such as Asian and Indian cuisines. Riesling's ability to harmonize with diverse flavors and spices is a testament to its exceptional food-friendly nature.