Red wine from Austria

Red wine from Austria: character, origin and diversity

An overview of the Austrian red wine tradition

Red wine from Austria enjoys an excellent reputation among connoisseurs. The combination of climatic diversity, exciting grape varieties and a long winegrowing tradition results in red wines with character, structure and finesse – every type of red wine, from classic varieties such as Zweigelt to regional specialities, has its own typical characteristics. In contrast to the world's large volume markets, Austria scores highly in terms of quality, authenticity and regionality.

Wine growing in figures

Austria has around 44,000 hectares of vineyards, with red wine accounting for a growing share. Around one third of the total vineyard area is planted with red wine varieties, underlining the importance of these varieties for Austrian wine growing.

The red wine sector is growing particularly strongly in Burgenland and Lower Austria. The diversity of grape varieties, the innovative spirit of the producers and growing international demand make Austria an exciting wine country, with the production of various red wine varieties playing a central role.

Winegrowing between tradition and innovation

Tradition plays a major role in Austrian winegrowing – from pruning and hand-picking to storage in wooden barrels. The vine is at the heart of this and has shaped the development of Austrian winegrowing for centuries. At the same time, many wineries focus on sustainability, biodynamic methods and modern cellar technology, with an impressive variety of grape varieties underscoring the uniqueness of the wines. The result is authentic wines with provenance and character.

Terroir and climate: natural conditions for quality wine

Austria's climate is continental European. Cold winters and hot summers alternate with cool nights in autumn – ideal conditions for red wine grapes to slowly develop their aromas. The proximity to the Alps, river valleys such as the Danube and the Pannonian influences in the east create microclimatic zones that enrich the terroir. The different soil types, such as loamy or fertile soils, also play a decisive role in the development of the vines and the quality of the wine.

Together, the climate and soil shape the taste of Austrian red wines and give them their characteristic aromas and facets.

Regions with a focus on red wine

Austria's best-known red wine region is Burgenland, especially Mittelburgenland, which is often referred to as ‘Blaufränkischland’ (Blaufränkisch country). Other important wine-growing areas are:

• Lower Austria: especially the Weinviertel and the Thermenregion
• Vienna: with urban viticulture
• Styria: mainly known for white wine, especially due to the variety of white wine grape varieties, but also with growing red wine production

These regions significantly influence the style of red wines through soil structure, slope locations, wind conditions and grape variety selection. Internationally, Bordeaux and its grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are influential in many Austrian red wine cuvées and influence the style of local wines.

Grape variety diversity and crossbreeding

The Austrian wine scene is innovative. In addition to indigenous varieties, targeted crossbreeds such as Rotburger are also cultivated to develop new flavour profiles. Many of the grape varieties grown in Austria, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, originally come from France and enrich the local variety. This innovation contributes to the dynamism of viticulture in Austria and broadens the spectrum in the glass.

Blaufränkisch: The classic with structure

The leading grape variety for red wine from Austria is Blaufränkisch.

 It produces structured, fruit-driven wines with pronounced acidity and distinctive tannins. Typical aromas include dark cherry, blackberry, spicy herbs and a hint of graphite. Blaufränkisch is used as a single variety or as the backbone for cuvées.

Zweigelt: The most popular red wine variety

Zweigelt is a cross between Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent and is one of the most widely grown red wine varieties in Austria. Its wines are accessible, fruity and versatile. Ripe cherry, raspberry and a subtle spiciness dominate the flavour profile. From youthful and fresh to wood-aged, Zweigelt is a versatile wine.

Blauer Portugieser: Fruity and light

Blauer Portugieser does not originate from Portugal, but is a traditional grape variety from Central Europe. In Austria, it produces light, fruity red wines with mild acidity and soft tannins. Ideal as an uncomplicated wine for everyday drinking, often enjoyed as a young wine in spring.

St. Laurent: Expressive and elegant

St. Laurent is another indigenous grape variety in Austria with links to the Pinot family. Its wines are intensely coloured, with aromas of wild berries, plum and undergrowth, and are often elegant with silky tannins. In good locations, St. Laurent develops depth and ageing potential.

Pinot Noir: The fine Burgundy from Austria

Pinot Noir, also known as Blauburgunder in Austria, originally comes from Burgundy. In the cooler wine-growing regions of Austria – such as the Thermenregion, the Weinviertel or Styria – it produces fine, elegant wines with aromas of red berries, violets and slightly earthy notes.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: international additions

International varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have also gained a foothold in Austria. Especially in Central Burgenland and around Lake Neusiedl, they complement traditional grape varieties in powerful cuvées. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and tannins, while Merlot provides fullness and softness.

Cabernet Franc: Delicate, spicy, underrated

Cabernet Franc is found in small quantities in Austria, but its popularity is growing. The wines are fragrant, with notes of red fruits, paprika and subtle spice. As a component in cuvées or as a single variety, it brings elegance and complexity.

Cuvées: the art of blending

Cuvées play a central role in red wine production. Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are often combined to unite power, fruit, structure and drinkability. In Burgenland in particular, this results in dense, long-lasting wines of international calibre.

Dessert wines and Beerenauslese

Austria's wine diversity does not end with red wine. Around Lake Neusiedl and in Rust in particular, noble sweet specialities such as Beerenauslese are produced, in which ripe red wine varieties are vinified with Botrytis aromas. These sweet wines go well with chocolate, poppy seed noodles or mature blue cheese.

Origin and quality

Austrian wines are strictly controlled and classified according to the DAC system. Quality wine from Austria bears a state inspection number that provides information about its origin, grape variety and vinification. The indication of origin on the label is a key indicator of quality.

Wine & food: red wine from Austria perfectly paired

Austrian red wines are extremely versatile accompaniments to food. Here are a few tried-and-tested combinations:

• Zweigelt goes well with roast veal, Wiener schnitzel, beef roulades or spaetzle with mushroom cream sauce.
• Blaufränkisch harmonises with game dishes, rack of lamb, beef entrecôte or fried king oyster mushrooms.
• St. Laurent is ideal with duck, venison, pâtés or autumn vegetable casseroles.
• Blauer Portugieser complements cold meat platters, roast chicken, pasta dishes or cheese dumplings.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is suitable for steak, T-bone steak, spicy grilled meats or goulash.
• Pinot Noir is excellent with fried salmon, truffle dishes, Bresse chicken or goat's cheese.

Austrian red wines really come into their own with regional dishes such as pumpkin, sauerkraut, porcini mushrooms or aromatic hard cheese.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about red wine from Austria

Which red wines from Austria are the best?

Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St. Laurent and Pinot Noir from Burgenland or Lower Austria are considered top red wines with depth and ageing potential.

What red wines are available in Austria?

The most important ones include Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, St. Laurent, Blauer Portugieser, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Which red wine is the most popular in Austria?

Zweigelt is by far the most widely grown and most popular red wine variety in Austria.

Which are the best wines from Austria?

In addition to fine red wines, Austria also offers excellent white wines, sweet wines and cuvées – many of which have won international awards and are leaders in terms of quality.