Crisp White Wines of Austria
By Teresa Faudon
Austrian Tourist Office
With colorful Graz as its capital, this tradition-rich region is also famous for rosé and dry, crisp white wines.
From Graz, wine lovers will discover heaven in nearly every direction. Vineyards and castles dominate the gently rolling landscape to the south and west. Head south for fine restaurants and wine taverns with enchanting views, perfect for sampling the region’s dry, crisp, fruity and aromatic whites—in varieties like Welschriesling, Gelber Muskateller and Morillon (Styrian Chardonnay).
Often compared to Tuscany, the South Styrian Wine Road stretches 44 miles between the villages of Glanz and Strass. Follow the well-marked “Glanzer Weintour,” an idyllic 6.5-mile trail along vineyard-laced hills, and check in later at one of the many small inns run by local farmers and winemakers.
In western Styria savor sunset with a glass of “Schilcher,” the famous dry rosé produced only in this area. Don’t miss the Lipizzaner stud farm, Piber, where the Spanish Riding School horses are reared or nearby Herberstein castle with its wildlife park.
East of Graz, camouflaged in a vineyard on the Styrian Castle Route, is the Genusshotel Riegersburg. The spacious rooms, gourmet bistro and heavenly spa overlook rare-fruit orchards and the mighty Riegersburg Castle, where tamed falcons circle overhead. This romantic landscape also boasts innovative culinary artisans like Gölles Schnapps & Vinegar Distillery and Zotter handmade organic chocolates. Explore the nearby wine village of Klöch, known for its rose-scented Traminer wines.
Wherever you find yourself in Styria’s wine country, drop in at a cozy “Buschenschank” for regional wines and homemade specialties that include “Brettljause”, an assortment of cured meats, spreads, cheeses and pickles served on a wooden board, or “Brettl.”
(Photo courtesy of Austrian Tourist Board)
