The world of Austrian wines is renowned for its exceptional quality and diversity, offering a vast array of flavors and styles that reflect the country’s rich terroir and winemaking traditions.
From the mineral-driven freshness of Grüner Veltliner to the bold and structured notes of Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, Austria is home to some of the most distinguished wine regions in Europe. The country’s unique climate—marked by dramatic temperature shifts between warm days and cool nights—plays a crucial role in shaping the vibrant acidity and pronounced aromatic profiles that define Austrian wines. Whether it is the crisp and elegant whites, the structured and expressive reds, or the refined sparkling wines, Austria presents a remarkable spectrum of styles.
In this selection, we explore a curated list of wines from various Austrian wineries, showcasing both classic and emerging varietals. These wines highlight the country’s capacity to produce wines of remarkable character, complexity, and elegance, making them perfect for both casual enjoyment and fine dining. This selection of the top 10 Austrian wines of 2024 highlights outstanding representatives across various categories, each showcasing the brilliance of Austrian viticulture.
VinoVistara Top 10 Austrian Wines of 2024:
| Rank | Wine | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weingut Steininger Grüner Veltliner Ried Kittmannsberg Kamptal DAC Reserve 1ÖTW | 2022 |
| 2 | Schloss Gobelsburg Winery Vintage 2012 (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Noir) | 2012 |
| 3 | Domäne Wachau Riesling Ried Kellerberg Smaragd | 2022 |
| 4 | Weingut Erwin Sabathi Ried Pössnitzberger Kapelle Chardonnay 2019 Große STK Ried, Südsteiermark DAC | 2019 |
| 5 | Weingut Steininger Pinot Blanc Ried Panzaun | 2017 |
| 6 | Weingut Simon Gattinger Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kreutles | 2023 |
| 7 | Weingut Leth Roter Veltliner Ried Scheiben 1ÖTW | 2023 |
| 8 | Weingut Silvia Heinrich Blaufränkisch Ried Goldberg Reserve | 2020 |
| 9 | Weingut Salzl Syrah Reserve | 2020 |
| 10 | Weingut Petra Unger Riesling Ried Gaisberg | 2023 |
Weingut Steininger Grüner Veltliner Ried Kittmannsberg Kamptal DAC Reserve 1ÖTW 2022: A vibrant and complex Grüner Veltliner with aromas of green apple, citrus, and delicate herbal notes. Crisp acidity and a mineral backbone enhance its structure, while white pepper adds a subtle spice. The finish is long, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, showcasing both fruit purity and terroir-driven elegance.
Schloss Gobelsburg Winery Vintage 2012 (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Noir): On the nose, white nougat, brioche, tropical fruits, papaya, candied lime, and blossom honey. Palate: Juicy and complex with nutty apple, refreshing acidity, and mineral-salty depth on a long finish.
Domäne Wachau Riesling Ried Kellerberg Smaragd 2022: A bold and elegant Riesling with vibrant aromas of ripe apricot, stone fruit, and pear. The palate is structured and mineral-driven, with a dry, dense texture and remarkable depth. Balanced and complex, this Smaragd wine offers excellent aging potential and a long, refined finish.
Weingut Erwin Sabathi Ried Pössnitzberger Kapelle Chardonnay 2019 Große STK Ried, Südsteiermark DAC: A refined and expressive Chardonnay with delicate aromas of verbena and a hint of sea breeze. The palate is finely structured, balancing vibrant acidity with subtle oak, citrus zest, and flinty minerality. Silky and precise, it unfolds with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish, showcasing great aging potential.
Weingut Steininger Pinot Blanc Ried Panzaun 2017: On the nose, delicate nutty notes, ripe pear, and tropical mango. On the palate, powerful yet elegant, with a sweet texture, herbal depth, and a mineral finish. Honey and tropical fruit linger beautifully.
Weingut Simon Gattinger Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kreutles 2023: Bright yellow-green in the glass, with inviting aromas of apricot and subtle tropical fruit. The palate is textured and elegant, showcasing stone fruit nuances, fine acidity, and a hint of honeydew melon on the finish. With depth, structure, and a harmonious balance, this is a refined and expressive Grüner Veltliner.
Weingut Leth Roter Veltliner Ried Scheiben 1ÖTW: An expressive and complex Roter Veltliner with aromas of dried fruits, red mirabelle, and zesty orange peel. The palate is rich and textured, featuring dark, smoky spice and a velvety mouthfeel. Balanced acidity provides structure, leading to a bold yet harmonious finish.
Weingut Silvia Heinrich Blaufränkisch Ried Goldberg Reserve 2020: Deep ruby with violet reflections, this Blaufränkisch offers aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, and candied violets, with a hint of mandarin zest. The palate is powerful and juicy, featuring subtle dried fruit notes and a touch of chocolate on the finish. Well-balanced with fine fruit sweetness and a long, versatile finish.
Weingut Salzl Syrah Reserve 2020: Deep ruby garnet with an opaque core, this Syrah captivates with intense aromas of ripe black cherries, juniper, and black olive. The palate is powerful and layered, featuring dried plums, blackberries, and dark chocolate, framed by fine tannins and fresh minerality. Subtle herbal spice, nougat, and licorice lead into a long, fruity-spicy finish.
Weingut Petra Unger Riesling Ried Gaisberg 2023: Delicate herbal notes lead into an exotic bouquet of mango, papaya, and orange zest. The palate is vibrant and medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, salty minerality, and subtle white stone fruit. Elegantly structured with a refreshing, balanced finish.
Conclusion
Whether you are exploring the structured Grüner Veltliners of Kamptal, the fruity Blaufränkisch of Burgenland, or the elegant Rieslings of Wachau, each wine tells a unique story of its region. As you embark on your wine journey, these Austrian wines promise to deliver unforgettable experiences, inviting you to savor the beauty and depth of Austria’s winemaking legacy. Whether you are drawn to crisp whites, powerful reds, or refined sparkling wines, the top 10 wines of 2024 provide a curated experience of Austria’s finest.