Three Austrian wines to explore and adopt this summer

We must not point out the lack of football chauvinism, but the opportunity is too good. If France is of course the object of our most loyal encouragement He successfully entered the Eurozonewe must clarify Austrian vineyards, In France we often fall into the shadows, and crossing the border is enough to realize that our European neighbors have long discovered Austria’s potential in wine (for football, we are not wet). For many aficionados, the homeland of Mozart is limited to white wines based mainly on Grüner Veltliner, with a greater focus on freshness and liveliness. Since we are talking about freshness, let us point out that this is one of the reasons why Austrian wines are so popular today.

At that time Climate deregulation and the evolving demand for more digestible juices, Austria stands out. But this would forget the diversity of terroirs and grape varieties, including Riesling and Pinot Noirto name just the familiar examples, produces wines that have acquired a good international reputation. To weave in a football metaphor, we could also say “remontada”. In 1985, a scandal severely damaged the image of local wines and a revenge campaign in fluent French began. At the time, Austria produced a large part of Soft and sweet – very popular in those years – was designed for the German market. But faced with an accumulation of erratic vintages that made the production of such wines difficult, some winegrowers decided to use diethylene glycol, ie antifreeze, to give sugar and body to their product. The controversy that arose when this illegal and dangerous process was discovered would become a milestone and lead to the rebirth of local vineyards and the adoption of laws to regulate their quality. Almost 40 years later, indigenous grape varieties and unique wines are the strength of this country: this is demonstrated by these three bottles that we particularly liked, perfect for the upcoming summer and available at quite democratic prices.

Claus Preisinger – Pure Libre Rouge
Price: 14 Euro

Claus Preisinger is one of Austria’s star winemakers, especially for wine lovers. Natural wineAs you might expect, this wine grower near the Hungarian border grows his vines as naturally as possible and makes his wines without any inputs. BeaujolaisA fruity, easy-drinking Gamay wine that wouldn’t look out of place, you’ll love this Puszta Libre, which takes its name from the steppe lake in Neusiedl, near which the vines flourish. Made by carbonic maceration, this cuvee is a real treat: intense fruit, brandy cherries and a spicy finish. Serve chilled.

Available on the website Pour it out.

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Judith Beck – Ink Rouge
Price: 16 Euro

Like Claus Preisinger, Judith Beck also lives in the Burgenland region. A very talented winemaker, especially trained Cos d’Estourne Castlehave Saint Estepheshe has chosen biodynamics for her 17 hectares of vines. The two grape varieties in the program: Zweigert (80%) and Saint-Laurent (20%), once again make wines that are easy to digest, juicy, but above all elegant and precise in aromas. Despite the very low sulfur content, it is a simple wine, perfect to accompany our summer aperitif dinner. Don’t trust the screws that act as coversBecause in Austria, where the process is widely used and, unlike in France, where the image of low-end wines remains stubborn, the screw has managed to take root.

Available on the website Nose in the glass and Paris Grocery Store.

Domaine Meinklang – Grüner Veltliner
Price: 14 Euro

Let’s move on to the whites. Still in Burgenland, the Meckelan estate is first and foremost a family story, that of the Michlit family. Angela and her husband Werner, supported by the latter’s brother, look after 70 hectares of vines, while also managing a grain farm and a cattle operation. This is a region rich in biodiversity, offering a wide range of wines based on very different grape varieties. But in keeping with the accessibility and freshness that characterizes the range, the Grüner Veltliner Cuvée, made from the eponymous grape variety, remains an excellent introduction to this king of Austrian grape varieties, with notes of citrus fruits and green apple, a very beautiful floral aroma and an exotic finish. Excellent value for money.

Available on the website Lapanji.