Austrian wines are high-quality, sophisticated, and remarkably drinkable. This description applies equally to both the red and white wines currently produced in Austria. While Austrian wine has historically lived in the shadow of its German neighbors, the country maintains its own distinctive and thriving wine culture. Unlike Germany, Austrian wines are characteristically dry, and the country cultivates its own collection of native grape varieties. Though some excellent and dry Riesling is produced, the flagship variety is the crisp Grüner Veltliner, which leads alongside Sauvignon Blanc and Vienna's unique Gemischter Satz blends. Red wines include the spicy Blaufränkisch and fresh Zweigelt, among other excellent varieties. Join this tasting as we travel through the mountains to the vineyards where Germanic precision and Central European culture converge.
Classes run for 2 hours and include a question and answer session with Astor Center Instructor Jim Clarke.
What you can expect:
- 1 welcome wine to begin the tasting
- 6 tasting pours of various Austrian wine styles
- Palate-cleansing bread and cheese selections
- A 20 percent discount on all wines tasted, redeemable in-store after class
What you will learn:
- The different wine styles being produced throughout Austria
- The unique grape varieties, growing methods, and climate zones of the country
- How to interpret Austrian wine labels and understand the classification systems
- Food and wine pairing considerations for Austrian wines
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Style: Tasting and discussion
