Austria’s Best Single-Vineyard Wines
The Single Vineyard Summit (SVS) in Kamptal, Lower Austria, has been a significant event showcasing the quality of Austrian wines, bringing together producers and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by the ÖTW (Austrian Traditional Winemakers), the summit seeks to elevate Austrian wines through regulation and promotion of single-vineyard sites. Michael Moosbrugger, president of ÖTW and director of Schloss Gobelsburg, emphasizes the organization’s mission is not to categorize winemakers as elite but to promote the collective history and traditions of winemaking in Austria.
The ÖTW’s tireless efforts over the last 15 years have led to significant advancements in regulating single-vineyard names and establishing a national classification system for vineyards. This groundwork aims to ensure that every vineyard site is recognized for its unique contribution to Austrian wines.
The association continues to expand, with 92 wineries now part of the ÖTW, reflecting the increasing recognition of regional diversity in Austria’s wine landscape. Recent additions have included regions like Thermenregion and Weinviertel, thus broadening the representation of Austrian wines overall.
In 2024, the SVS displayed 533 wines, representing multiple vintages (2020-2024), with a focus on wines holding a DAC classification. While the tasting did not include some minimal-intervention wines due to DAC regulations, it provided a comprehensive overview of high-quality Austrian offerings.
Highlights from the Tasting:
-
Wachau:
- Georg Frischengruber’s Ried Goldberg Riesling Smaragd 2024 – Bright with citrus and lime notes. | 93
- Lagler’s Ried Steinporz Riesling Smaragd 2024 – Fresh, with a spicy finish. | 93
-
Kamptal:
- Hirsch’s Ried Gaisberg Grüner Veltliner 2024 – Spicy with thrilling lemon characteristics. | 94
- Jurtschitsch’s Ried Käferberg Grüner Veltliner 2023 – Compact and elegant, showing preserved lemon and pear. | 95
-
Kremstal:
- Stadt Krems’s Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner 2024 – Spicy and mineral-driven with lovely balance. | 92
- Proidl’s Ried Hochäcker Riesling Reserve 2024 – Mouthwatering acidity with candied citrus detail. | 94
-
Traisental:
- Markus Huber’s Ried Zwirch Grüner Veltliner 2024 – Light and elegant, full of nuance. | 93
-
Burgenland:
- Markus Altenburger’s Ried Jungenberg Chardonnay 2022 – Fresh with a focus on minerality. | 94
- Prieler’s Ried Goldberg Blaufränkisch 2022 – Juicy with beautiful freshness. | 93
-
Styrian Highlights:
- Sattlerhof’s Ried Trinkaus Sauvignon Blanc 2022 – Ripe, with superb fruit focus. | 94
- Neumeister’s Ried Moarfeitl Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – Refreshing and delicious. | 92
The diversity of Austrian wines showcased at the SVS reflects the importance of regional characteristics and ongoing commitment to quality. As the ÖTW continues its efforts in vineyard classification, the future of Austrian wines looks promising, ensuring both tradition and innovation go hand in hand.
For more insights, visit: Austrian Wine