Austrian Sauvignon Blanc from Styria is fantastic, but as David indicates, it’s not everyone’s favorite grape variety. The Austrian versions can be extreme, but for me, “extreme” is where the really interesting stuff in the wine world is found.
My favorite producers include Tement, Sattlerhof, and Gross, based on consistent ultra-high quality over the years and familiarity with the people. All are going through a generational shift where the kids are taking over from their parents, and, as opposed to similar situations I’ve seen in other wine countries, in Steiermark and the rest of Austria, everyone gets along and the wines and brands are in good hands.
I’ve participated in several three-way blind tastings between Sauvignons from Austria, the Loire, and NZ and most of the time, the Austrians are the group’s top choice (but funny how Dagueneau always wins whichever flight it’s placed in).
The biggest issue with Austrian Sauvignon Blanc is its pricing here in the USA. It’s not inexpensive over there, and by the time the bottles arrive here and filter through our distribution system, they’re priced at the same level as a lot of other wines from around the world that are considered “collectible.” That being said, they evolve beautifully in the cellar and offer a whole lot of pleasure alongside food.
Disclosure: I sometimes help out the Austrian Wine Marketing board when they do events on the West coast.
consistently best SB from Austria is the Steinmühle from Kollwentz in Burgenland. For many years. (Translation client of mine)
and yes, Dan; price. The basic problem w/ SB Klassik from the Steiermark is that by the time they get to the US, Sancerre typically tastes better while costing less.
One of my better/more amusing guesses at one of our blind dinners recently was when I identified three wines in a flight as Austrian Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner and Riesling respectively. Turned out they were actually Neuburger, Gruner and Riesling. That’s the closest I’ve come to having an Austrian SB in the last decade or so.
Right, but there are many others, just for instance: Sabathi Erwin (wine-maker of the year), Sabathi Hannes, Potzinger Stefan, Muster (Sepp and Maria), Lackner-Tinnacher, Neumeister, Riegelnegg, Skoff, Polz (only the special vineyards) and many others.
Most produce a “classic” SB (Steirische Klassik) and at least one - or several - vineyard designated cuvees, or a “Reserve” etc.
Pricing here in Austria is from 9/10 € for the cheaper classics up to 30/32/35 for the most reknowned wines …
I have not idea what happens on the way to USA …
Vielen Dank Gerhard for starting the thread and all the info. Nice to see all the usual suspects being mentioned.
My third most favourite Austrian wine is the Rotkipfler. Another white (name suggest otherwise) which is popular in blends with Spatrot and Zierfandler. The later you can find especially in Gumpoldskirchen (Thermenregion Wienerwald, Modling). The south east exposed slopes get a lot of nice sun exposure and are well drained. Don’t miss out on their wine festival which just came to conclusion. Its when they close down the main street (cobble stone) for traffic and offer wine and music.
I don’t buy a ton of Austrians, but I regularly but Pichler and Alzinger. For some reason the Hohereck from Alzinger is a perfect wine for me. I always tell myself to try a few more producers!
Two nights ago a friend opened a 2012 Prager Steinriegl Smaragd Riesling he bought at Crush, last time in NYC. Can’t recall the last time I had a Prager Riesling, but it was an instant reminder on just how great they are, even young. We opened that along with five '04 CNdP’s and the Prager was the clear class of the evening.
I love Austrian whites, but we just don’t see much of the better stuff here. Some Gobelsburg, Wachau & Brundlmayer, but very sporadic offers from importers for the top Pichler, Knoll, etc. As for the Prager, I haven’t seen it imported here in a decade+. Shame. Last decent Austrian purchased were F.X.'s '11 G.V. Smaragd Dürnsteiner Liebenberg. Haven’t seen anything good from '12 onwards.
Anyone know what stores or auctions (US only) that might occasionally have older vintages? I’ve gotten a smattering here and there, but always looking for more.