Vienna (39)

Vienna and Wine - It Must Be a Piece of Heaven

It is quite possibly over 2,500 years ago that the first vines in the Vienna Basin enjoyed the Pannonian climate. To this day, wine from the Austrian capital is hardly conceivable to be missed. It grows on the outskirts of the city, in residential areas, and even right in the city center at Schwarzenbergplatz. The Viennese are closely connected to wine, as about three quarters of the wine from Vienna remain in the wine taverns. However, the high quality now also catches the attention of international connoisseurs - quite rightly so.

To a Vienna

Effervescent, uncomplicated enjoyment is the motto of Viennese wine, mostly in white splendor. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Weißburgunder, often all together, can be found in the varietal mirror. Thanks to the Pannonian climate, red wines also shine with an unparalleled complexity and well-structured body. To taste, visit one of the countless wine taverns, where even Beethoven came and went, or order fine Viennese wines at VINELLO. 

Viennese Wine: Gemischter Satz DAC

Gemischter Satz is a wine from Vienna that consists of different grape varieties. Unlike a cuvée, the different grapes are vinified together. They even grow side by side in the vineyard. Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Traminer, and other varieties all in one place. They are harvested, mashed, and fermented together. No grape variety can make up more than 50% of the Gemischter Satz, and the third-largest proportion must represent no less than 10%. Such a composition offers surprises year after year, but mostly refreshing, light wines with smooth acidity. 

In the past, this practice was carried out to safeguard against uneven harvest conditions and pests. Today, Gemischter Satz is a Viennese specialty and true winemaker craftsmanship, which now promises the highest enjoyment under the designation DAC - Districtus Austriae Controllatus.

Heuriger Culture

Where to go if you want to drink a wine in Vienna? Of course, to the Heuriger - winery-owned wine taverns for the sale of their own wines. Heuriger means “this year” or young wine. Because that is what you find in Heuriger; the current young wine. But fresh juice or a spritzer is also served here alongside hearty and seasonal dishes. Around 150 winemakers, including the Zahel winery in Maurer, operate a Heuriger in Vienna and welcome guests. Cozy gatherings with music and singing over a fresh glass of wine - that's the Heuriger culture in Vienna. So the next time you're in Vienna, look out for the wine taverns, recognizable by the fir branch above the house gate.

Vienna Climate & Soils

The city limits of Vienna encompass about 700 hectares of vineyard area, with only about 620 hectares under vines at times. The soils are characterized by prehistoric rock layers. Individual sites, however, offer a variety of soils such as limestone rock, slate, gravel, and loess soil. The climatic influences are also found in diverse forms in Vienna. Three climatic influences converge at this junction: the continental-Pannonian climate, the Mediterranean climate from the south, and cool winds from the north. Depending on the location, whether on Nussberg, Maurerberg, or Bisamberg, the various conditions create their own characteristics and strengths. As a result, not only magnificent white wines thrive, but also complex red wines made from Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.

Grape Varieties in Vienna

The white grape varieties dominate the varietal spectrum of the Vienna growing area. These are:

• Grüner Veltliner
• Welschriesling
• Riesling
• Weißburgunder
• Chardonnay 
• Müller-Thurgau
• Traminer
• Muskateller
• Orangetraube (autochthon) 

Although the red grape varieties are in the minority, they also offer some tasty wines. The most common varieties grown in Vienna are:

• Zweigelt
• Blauer Portugieser
• Blaufränkisch
• Saint Laurent 

Vienna Winery Zahel Mauer

In a small suburb of Vienna, just a few minutes away from the city center, lies the Zahel winery. The family estate maintains vineyards in two of the best grand cru locations in Vienna: Nussberg and Maurerberg. There, the typical grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and Zweigelt thrive, but also Chardonnay. In addition to velvety red wines from Saint Laurent and varietal white wines from the autochthonous grape variety Orangetraube, the Viennese tradition of Gemischter Satz is also preserved here. The effervescent wine is an ideal companion to light dishes or simply to enjoy solo on the terrace. Discover the Zahel winery from Vienna with its exquisite vineyards around the city.

Buy Wine from Vienna Online

Are you tempted to put together your own exploration tour through Vienna? Just browse our selection - VINELLO offers excellent wines from Vienna and Austria. Discover the diversity of wines and also benefit from our sommelier advice. Secure purchasing and guaranteed prompt delivery ensure that your enjoyment journey can start quickly, leading you directly to wine pleasure.