An Austrian Grape Concordance
There are approximately 30 grape varieties permitted in Austria's highest quality wine - called Prädikatswein. Many of these varieties are indigenous grapes. However, Austria also embraces a number of well known, international varietals. Problem is; occasionally a grape is called by its local moniker, which of course, may cause confusion to us gringos. To avoid at least a few instances of Austrian wine confusion, I've assembled this handy-dandy grape concordance for international grapes with local nicknames.
White Grapes
Chardonnay - known as Morillon in Styria (southern Austria), and occasionally, as Feinburgunder.
Muscat - (AKA Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains) - known as Gelber Muskateller, or simply, Muskateller.
Müller-Thurgau - (a Riesling x Sylvaner hybrid) - also known as Rivaner.
Pinot Gris - known as Ruländer or Grauer Burgunder.
Riesling - also known as Weißer Riesling.
Sauvignon Blanc - also known as Muskat-Sylvaner.
Scheurebe - also known as Sämling 88
Sylvaner (primarily grown in Germany) - also known as Grüner Sylvaner.
Red Grapes
Lemberger - known as Blaufränkisch, and as Kekfrankos by Austria's neighbor, Hungary.
Pinot Noir - known as Blauburgunder, Blauer Burgunder or Blauer Spätburgunder.
Coming up: a grape concordance of Austria's native wine grapes.
Technorati Tags: austria, austrian wine, wine
Careful, Beau! They've BANNED the name Feinburgunder since 1999. (Just didn't want you running afoul of the Austrian wine authorities during your tour. As I'm sure you are aware- Austria has some of the strictest wine laws in the world.)
Posted by: Emily | 02 May 2006 at 01:28 PM
D'Oh!
Psst. Then we should probably tell Wines From Austria that the "F-word" is still listed on their site.
Posted by: beau | 02 May 2006 at 02:07 PM