In episode 204 of The Drinking Hour podcast, David Kermode looks back on the IWSC judging in Austria. He is joined by two of his fellow judges, Dirceu Vianna Junior MW and Melania Battiston, wine director at Cornus.
Firstly, the trio explore Austria’s white wines, starting with the popular Grüner Veltliner. Junior highlights the incredible ageing potential of the varietal, before Battiston shares her insights on the gastronomic potential of the wine. Next, they talk through the qualities of Riesling before ending their discussion of Austrian white wines with Gemischter Satz, a blend made from up to 20 different grape varieties grown in the same vineyard, most commonly found across Vienna’s urban vineyards. Battiston shares the story behind the wine, emphasising how producers need to carefully time the harvest of each of the grape varieties.
In the second half of the episode, Austrian reds take the stage. First up for discussion is the most planted red wine variety in Austria, Zweigelt. Junior leads the conversation, sharing the secret to making a standout example. The group also discusses Blaufränkisch and the Pinot Noir-like qualities of St Laurent, before Junior shares his appreciation for the family-led winemaking culture within Austria that often sees three generations of the same family working the land.
The trio end the episode by exploring the future of Austrian wine, with Junior keen to highlight how producers shouldn’t overcomplicate their wines, instead suggesting they promote the ‘unusual and interesting’ wines that drinkers are now seeking out. Battiston, meanwhile, ends by emphasising the importance of sommeliers in helping people discover the varied and diverse wines of Austria.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.
