🇦🇹 Austria

Zweigelt might sound like a complicated German math concept, but it's actually Austria's most planted red grape and delivers some seriously delicious, easy-drinking wines. Christina's version is a perfect introduction to this underappreciated variety – think of it as the lovable middle ground between Pinot Noir's elegance and Gamay's juicy freshness. Austrian reds still fly under the radar for many wine drinkers, which means you get exceptional quality without the markup that comes with more famous regions. This Zweigelt is remarkably versatile – it takes a slight chill beautifully for summer drinking but has enough character to stand up to heartier fall and winter fare. It's the kind of wine that makes you look like you know what you're doing when you bring it to a dinner party, without requiring a wine importer's budget. For those looking to expand their red wine horizons beyond the usual suspects, this is a delightful place to start.

This collaborative project brings together some of Austria's most exciting wine talents to showcase the potential of Blaufränkisch, the country's signature red grape. Vineyard Project 004 represents a modern, minimal-intervention approach to this traditional variety. Franz Weninger is renowned for his work with Blaufränkisch on both sides of the Austrian-Hungarian border, while Gober & Freinbichler bring their innovative perspective to the blend. The result is a wine that balances the grape's natural spicy character and bright acidity with pure fruit expression. It's the perfect bottle for curious wine lovers looking to explore beyond the usual suspects – offering the structure and complexity of Pinot Noir with a distinctive Central European personality all its own.

Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, Höpler's Pannonica Red is a delightful introduction to Austria's red wine personality. This blend combines the country's signature varieties to create something that's both uniquely Austrian and universally appealing. The blend typically features Blaufränkisch providing structure and spice, Zweigelt adding juicy fruit and approachability, and a touch of Pinot Noir for elegance and aromatics. From Burgenland, Austria's warmest wine region near the Hungarian border, this red offers more fruit and body than you might expect from Austrian wine while maintaining the freshness and drinkability the country is known for. It's the perfect bottle to reach for when you want something different from the usual suspects but don't want to stray too far from the comfort zone – familiar enough to be approachable but distinctive enough to be memorable.

Austria produces some of the world's most distinctive white wines, and Höpler's Pannonica White offers a perfect introduction to their unique charm. Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, this blend combines native and international varieties to create something both approachable and intriguing. The blend typically features Austria's signature Grüner Veltliner providing that characteristic pepper and citrus character, with Pinot Blanc adding body and stone fruit notes, and a touch of Chardonnay for richness and familiarity. From Burgenland near the Hungarian border, this white shows the perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and mineral character that makes Austrian whites so food-friendly and versatile. It's the ideal bottle for those looking to venture beyond the usual white wine suspects without diving into the deep end of obscurity.

The Pratsch family has been farming organically since the 1990s – long before it was fashionable – and their commitment to sustainable viticulture shines through in this textbook Grüner Veltliner. This is Austria's signature white grape at its most approachable and food-friendly. If you've never experienced Grüner Veltliner before, you're in for a treat. It occupies a perfect middle ground between the citrusy zip of Sauvignon Blanc and the textural weight of Pinot Grigio, with a distinctive peppery note that's entirely its own. Pratsch's organic farming practices and careful winemaking result in a wine that's both refreshingly crisp and subtly complex. It's the kind of versatile white that sommeliers love for its food-pairing prowess – there's a reason it's a staple on restaurant wine lists everywhere.

Barbara Ohlzelt represents the exciting new wave of Austrian winemaking – female-led, focused on sustainability, and dedicated to letting the vineyard speak through minimal intervention. Her 'Leader' Grüner Veltliner comes from the Kamptal region, where the cool climate and loess soils create the perfect conditions for Austria's signature white grape variety. This bottle showcases everything that makes Grüner Veltliner special – that distinctive white pepper note, vibrant acidity, and a mineral character that reflects the unique Austrian terroir. Ohlzelt farms her small parcels organically and harvests by hand, focusing on quality over quantity. The result is a wine with precision and personality that punches well above its weight class. Perfect for those looking to expand beyond the usual white wine suspects or for anyone who appreciates wines with genuine character and sense of place. It's the kind of bottle that makes you wonder why you don't drink more Austrian wine.

Zweigelt is Austria's most widely planted red grape variety, and E&M Berger's version shows exactly why it deserves more international recognition. Created in 1922 by crossing Blaufränkisch with St. Laurent, Zweigelt delivers the perfect combination of fruit-forward charm and earthy complexity. What makes this wine special is its remarkable versatility – it's got enough structure to stand up to food but is light enough to enjoy slightly chilled on a warm evening. The Berger family has been crafting wines in the Wachau region for generations, focusing on wines that express their Alpine terroir rather than following international trends. This Zweigelt is the vinous equivalent of that effortlessly cool person who doesn't need designer labels to stand out – it's confident in its identity and doesn't try to be something it's not. For those tired of the same old Pinot Noir, this offers a refreshing alternative that's familiar enough to be approachable but different enough to be interesting.

In a world where 'less is more' has become the mantra, H Schrock & Sohne boldly declares 'More is More' with this delightful Austrian white. Welschriesling (which, confusingly, has no relation to regular Riesling) is an underappreciated variety that deserves more attention, and this bottle makes a compelling case for seeking it out. From Austria's prestigious Wachau region, this wine delivers everything you could want in a crisp white – mouthwatering acidity, pure fruit expression, and a mineral backbone that speaks clearly of its terroir. The playful name hints at the generous flavor profile that unfolds with each sip. This is the kind of bottle that wine geeks treasure but remains accessible enough for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted white wine. Perfect for those looking to expand their white wine horizons beyond the usual suspects.