It is only since 2015 that Austria has had a three-tier classification model for "Austrian sparkling wine with protected designation of origin", or "Sekt g.U." for short, the quality peaks of which, the "Great Reserves", were launched on the market for the first time in autumn 2018. We were frankly surprised ourselves at how much sparkling wine is produced in Austria. And above all: how much different. Samples reached us from almost all wine regions of the country. The variety of origins, vinification styles and grape varieties ensured that we could not get bored while tasting.
BILDAGENTUR ZOLLES KG/Leo Hagen
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The qualities of Austrian sparkling wines still vary greatly. It is noticeable that mainly wineries set the standards, while the pure sparkling wine cellars can only present really convincing wines in individual cases. The best examples, mostly Grosse Reserven or Reserves, are high-class, complex, distinctly individual sparkling wines that deserve every attention. As is the case almost everywhere, most wines in this category are found with no or only low dosage, quite simply because first-class sparkling wine has no need for sweetness. But even among the higher-dosed examples, we tasted quite a few very carefully made wines that are a great pleasure to drink and that we can warmly recommend to all wine lovers who don't like it bone dry (or who want to show a little consideration for their guests).
We have tasted around 80 wines for this special over the last few weeks. As always, we present the best here and as PDF here. You can find links to all the tasted wines with detailed descriptions as well as their producers by clicking on the headlines.
- 89WP 2015 Rosé Brut, Domaines Kilger
- 89WP 2015 Rosé Zero Dosage, Domaines Kilger
- 89WP Extra Brut, Willi Bründlmayer
- 89WP Extra Brut, Loimer
- 88WP 2014 Brut, Harkamp
- 88WP 2012 Brut Nature, Malat
- 88WP Brut, Willy Bründlmayer
- 88WP Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, Willy Bründlmayer
- 88WP 2015 "Pinot Brut" Brut Nature, Winkler-Hermaden
- 88WP Rosé Brut, Topf
- 88WP Extra Brut, Loimer
- 87WP 2015 "Vintage Sparkling Wine" Brut, Rosnerwein
- 87WP 2016 Sauvignon Blanc Brut, Steininger
- 87WP 2016 Burgundy Brut, Steininger
- 87WP 2017 Pinot Blanc Brut, Erzherzog Johann
- 87WP Extra Brut, Willi Bründlmayer
- 87WP Rosé Brut, Loimer
- 87WP Brut, Topf
- 87WP 2013 Chardonnay Brut, Erzherzog Johann
- 86WP Brut, Gobelsburg Castle
- 86WP 2016 Riesling Brut, Steininger
- 85WP 2016 Grüner Veltliner Brut, Steininger
- 85WP 2017 Riesling Brut, Zimmermann
