Austrian Wines are making an appearance in the UK and we have tasted some pretty interesting wines from the small Apline state.
First, we visited a family estate in the Southern Weinviertel region, just north of Vienna, which belongs to one of the most well recognised names in the Austrian wine business. Pfaffl is an admired producer, Roman and his wife have built up the vineyards over the last 30 years.
To understand Roman Pfaffl's influence in the Weinviertel district, you only have to look at his nickname: Mr. Veltliner. Like no one else he has worked to convince his fellow winemakers that Grüner Veltliner has the quality to produce top wines, and that it is a unique selling point for Austria.
The family vineyards are scattered in 10 different villages in the area, they are all made of very different types of soils and microclimates, making it possible for the Pfaffl winery to produce a number of different grape varieties and wine types.
Here's a small selection of their wines. Both produced with the boundaries of Vienna itself, hence the name "Wien".
Pfaffl Wien 1 is a blend of fruity Riesling, Pinot Blanc to give the wine 'body' and the family's speciality grape, spicy Grüner Veltliner. Light in alcohol makes it a great refreshing aperitif.
Pfaffl Wien 2 is also a blend this time made out of popular Austrian grape Zweigelt (a cross between St Laurent and Blaufränkisch) and Pinot Noir. It's refreshing wine with finesse and complexity.
This might sound a little too good to be true but the Pfaffl wines come highly recommended for summer grill parties or group dinners. See you there!