Austrian Wine Terminology
Understanding a few key terms will help you navigate Austrian wine with confidence. Here’s a guide to some of the most important words you’ll see on labels and in descriptions.
Understanding a few key terms will help you navigate Austrian wine with confidence. Here’s a guide to some of the most important words you’ll see on labels and in descriptions.
Austria’s regional quality classification system, similar to AOC (France) or DOC (Italy). Wines labeled DAC must meet strict origin and style criteria.
A traditional field blend of different grape varieties grown and harvested together. Especially associated with Vienna.
A single-vineyard site. If you see Ried on a label, it indicates the wine comes from a specific named vineyard with unique terroir.
Prädikat terms indicating ripeness levels at harvest:
Spätlese (late harvest): Riper grapes, often richer wines.
Auslese (select harvest): Very ripe grapes, can be off-dry or sweet..
A traditional wine tavern where local winemakers serve their new wines, often alongside homemade food. Popular in Vienna and surrounding regions.
Indicates a wine made in a regionally typical style, often fresh and fruit-forward.