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World-class Austrian wines

Across the globe, the wines of Austria have garnered accolades from some of the most respected names in the industry. Master of Wine Jancis Robinson has praised Austrian whites for their "beautifully pure, full-bodied, food-friendly" character, while New York Times critic Eric Asimov has extolled the "unspeakable delights" of Austrian reds.

This year, a whopping 265 Austrian wines received a score of 90 points or higher -- marking them as "outstanding wines of exceptional complexity and character" -- in Robert Parker's influential publication The Wine Advocate.

Austrian wines have made impressive showings at several international tastings. The country's outstanding wines made from international varieties such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, along with lesser-known grapes including Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent, are gaining fans from New York to London. These hand-crafted, fantastically food-friendly wines pair wonderfully with an array of world cuisines.

Join us in exploring some of Austria's most popular wine varieties and finest vineyards, and discover a few representative Austrian wines to savor in the early springtime months.

Austrian Wines Dazzle the Pros in London

Austrian wines first stepped into the international spotlight in 2002, when a line-up of Gruner Veltliner outperformed some of the world's finest Chardonnays in a blind tasting judged by industry professionals at London's fashionable Groucho Club.

Two years later, the club hosted a similar blind taste-off featuring Rieslings. Matched against top-class examples from Germany, France and Australia, the Rieslings from Austria stole the show.


The emphasis in Austria, says Willi Klinger, director of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, is on quality over quantity.

"We offer authentic, artisanal, individual and natural wines made by families. Our unique microclimates, great culinary tradition and dynamic people make Austrian wine special."

St. Laurent
(sahn-luh-RAHN)
Pinot Noir's wilder, more dangerous cousin. This grape creates aromatic red wines with fruity appeal and mouth-filling texture.

Originating in France, St. Laurent has been cultivated since Roman times, for roughly 2000 years. A relative of the Pinot Noir grape, it prefers a warmer climate but is similarly difficult to grow.

Deep red in color, these seductive wines are generally medium- to full-bodied, with well-developed tannins, velvety texture and tangy berry flavors.

St. Laurent thrives in the hot, sunny Burgenland region, on the edge of the Hungarian plane. Some exquisite wines are also made in the Thermen region, just a few kilometers south of Vienna.

Next grape
Sauvignon Blanc
(SOH-vin-yon-BLAHN)
An international favorite. These white wines are fresh, bracing and versatile.
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Muskat
(muss-CAT)
An ancient grape from an eminent viticultural family. Muskat wines are usually sweet and full-bodied, perfect as an apertif or with desserts.
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Gruner Veltliner
(GROO-nur FELT-leen-er)
King of the Danube, this Austrian favorite produces light, crisp whites noted for their versatility and excellent balance.
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Blaufrankisch
(blouw-FRANN-keesh)
Made from Austria's second most popular red grape, these spicy red wines are charmingly food friendly and full of character.
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Stift Klosterneuburg Escorial '05
Weingut Stift Klosterneuburg GmbH
A seductive, full-bodied red with flavors of dark berries and coffee. This Bordeaux-style blend of St. Laurent, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is an excellent match for rich meat dishes.
Perched high above the Danube, north of Vienna, this venerated monastery and winery dates back to 1114. Sitft Klosterneuburg is one of the premier producers of wines made from the fickle St. Laurent grape, and labor-intensive organic farming techniques are applied in the fields. The soaring cathedral and palace attract thousands of visitors each year. Tours of the winery and facilities are available in English on weekends.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet red, with a floral and fruity bouquet of black currant, red berries and cinnamon. Blackberry and supporting flavors of black currant leaves and coffee on the palate. Excellent structure and balance of fruit and acidity, with supple tannins and a satisfying finish.
Pairing suggestions



Beef dishes - herb and garlic-rubbed roast beef; grilled wagyu steak with red wine sauce; beef teriyaki
Lamb dishes - roast leg of lamb with rosemary; lamb and wild mushroom ragout
Game meats - venison pie; braised rabbit with bacon and almonds; inoshishi wild boar stew
Game birds - roast squab with leek dumplings; roasted duck flavored with five-spice powder; duck cassoulet with beans
Mature cheeses such as Comte and Edam
Ordering Information
¥3549/bottle
estate wines
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Austrian Wine Tasting Kit

Discover the charms of Austrian wines with friends by hosting your own wine tasting party!

Our Austrian Wine Tasting Kit showcases three of the county's best varietals - Gruner Veltliner, Blaufrankisch, and St. Laurent - all chosen to accompany cool-weather dining.

¥9900 for three-bottle set (includes free shipping within Japan)
estate wines
Go to ordering page at Estate Wines
About Estate Wines

Message from the Austrian Ambassador

"Austrian Wines have a three millenia long tradition paired with a very modern viniculture. Austrian wine makers do not produce big quantities but each individual wine reflects the character of its origin, the particulars of its topography, the culture of its people. I am happy that some of the best wines that Austria produces find their way to Japan and onto elegant Japanese tables to accompany exquisite food."

"Since my arrival some two years ago I made it one of my priorities to make Austrian wines better known in Japan, being confident that true appreciation will follow. I am thankful to Bento.com to give Austrian wines a platform."

Ambassador Jutta Stefan-Bastl, Austrian Embassy
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