Austria

Situated directly in the heart of Europe, Austria is quickly emerging as an exemplary modern European wine producer, in terms of both quality and innovation. This landlocked country in Central Europe lies parallel to central France and south of Germany, boasting close to 48,000 hectares of vineyards. Mostly found along the eastern edge of the nation, there are 4 wine-making areas are called Weinland Austria (including Lower Austria and Burgenland), Steirerland (Styria), Vienna and Berland Austria (including Upper Austria, Salzburg, Carinthia, Tyrol and Vorarlberg). Each of these regions is then further divided, making up for a total of 19 controlled wine-growing zones. Understandably, Austria has a much warmer, continental climate when compared to its northern, cooler neighbor Germany. For many years, Austria was associated with sweet-styled Grüner Veltliner and Müller-Thurgau wines, but now producers are moving towards crispier, drier styles. While the main grape varieties still include Grüner Veltliner, in addition to Riesling, and two red varieties, Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch, the country is home to 35 approved varietals. Today, the country is balancing tradition with modernity, producing many of their historic wines with a contemporary twist.