Austria

Although at the same latitude as Burgundy, Austria enjoys hotter summer temperatures due to the warming influence of the continental pannonian in the east and the moderate mediterranean climate from the south. At the same time the cooler northern airstreams provide nights cool enough for Riesling to retain a crisp acidity.

Austria has 52 563 ha of vineyards, its largest wine region Niederösterreich (32 100 ha) also contains Austria's largest wine area Weinviertel (17 200 ha). 68% of Austria's vineyards are planted to white varieties.

Grüner Veltliner reigns in Austria. But fine Rieslings are produced in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), which comprises Austria's famed wine-growing areas Wachau, Kamptal and Kremstal, all places of origin of excellent Riesling.

According to the Austrian Wine Marketing Board plantings of Riesling in Austria have increased by almost 15% from 1999 to 2008, whereas those of Austria's love child Grüner Veltliner have gone down slightly by 2% during the same time period.

Other grapes grown in Austria are the white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Muskateller, Chardonnay (called Morillon in the Steiermark) and Weissburgunder. Increasingly popular are Austria's red wines made from Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent.