Every year, James Suckling’s team curates a list of wines that exemplify the best Austria has to offer.
The Top 100 Wines of Austria 2024 list reflects not just exceptional quality but also affordability, accessibility, and that elusive “wow” factor that captures the imagination of wine enthusiasts.
This year’s Austrian Wine of the Year dazzles with the precision and brilliance of its winemaking, matched by a bold pink grapefruit aroma that exemplifies the heights Austrian wines can achieve. Let’s delve into some of the highlights of this outstanding lineup.
The Rise of Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s flagship grape, continues to impress with its versatility and uniqueness. Markus Huber’s Grüner Veltliner Traisental Berg epitomizes this with a revolutionary approach to terroir and technique. The vineyards in the Traisental region grow on a lime-rich conglomerate bedrock, lending a distinct mineral edge to the wine. Combined with a cool climate where grapes ripen up to two weeks later than warmer regions, this terroir allows for a nuanced expression.
Huber’s adoption of whole-cluster pressing in 2023, reminiscent of Champagne techniques, has elevated the complexity and texture of his wines. It’s this combination of innovation and precision that earned him the top spot.
A Reinvention of Wachau Rieslings
Second on the list is the F.X. Pichler Riesling Wachau Ried Kellerberg 2023. While maintaining its roots in the iconic vineyard parcels of Wachau, winemaker Lukas Pichler has shifted to earlier harvests and lower alcohol levels, emphasizing freshness and vitality. The result is a riesling with dazzling stone fruit intensity, vibrant acidity, and amplified minerality—hallmarks of a modern classic.
Similarly, the Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Wachau Ried Singerriedel Smaragd 2023 (No. 3) bridges old and new styles with concentration, finesse, and exceptional focus, crafted by Franz Hirtzberger Jr.
Blaufränkisch: Austria’s Red Powerhouse
The indigenous Blaufränkisch grape continues to thrive, proving its adaptability to climate shifts. Roland Velich’s Moric Blaufränkisch Lutzmannsburg Alte Reben 2022 (No. 4) showcases the grape’s ability to deliver wines of remarkable depth and finesse. With velvety tannins and a compact structure, it’s a testament to Austria’s growing prowess in red winemaking.
Equally impressive is the Schiefer Blaufränkisch Burgenland Ried Reihburg Eisenberg an der Pinka 2021 (No. 8). With plush tannins and a refined core, this wine exemplifies the aging potential of Austrian reds.
The Wachau’s Diversity of Styles
From the geological mystery of the Prager Riesling Wachau Ried Klaus Smaragd 2023 (No. 5) to the opulence of the Emmerich Knoll Riesling Wachau Vinothekfüllung Smaragd 2023 (No. 6), the Wachau region highlights its diverse winemaking approaches. Whether focusing on elegance or power, these wines consistently deliver on intensity and complexity.
A Journey Beyond the Mainstream
The Kollwentz Chardonnay Burgenland Gloria 2022 (No. 9) brings a unique Austrian expression of this globally celebrated grape. With a chalky and flinty character, this wine captures the essence of its forest-enclosed, high-altitude vineyard.
Meanwhile, Austria’s Sauvignon Blanc earns a place on the list with Wohlmuth’s Sauvignon Blanc Südsteiermark Ried Edelschuh GSTK 2022 (No. 10). Its gardenia and honeysuckle aromas defy the clichés of this varietal, offering an ethereal yet concentrated wine experience.
Conclusion
The Top 100 Wines of Austria 2024 not only highlight the country’s dedication to excellence but also its ability to innovate and surprise. From the daring reinvention of grüner veltliner and riesling to the bold strides in red and white wines, this year’s list is a celebration of Austria’s winemaking brilliance.
Whether you’re a long-time admirer or new to Austrian wines, this list serves as an invitation to explore the diversity and quality that defines this remarkable wine nation.