Not just France: 3 wine producers that will change your view of Austria

Some people associate wine with France – the elegance of Burgundy, the power of Bordeaux, the freshness of the Loire River… However, in recent years, one country has been ringing louder and louder in the ears of the wine world and forcing us to rethink old stereotypes. It is Austria. Today, Austrian wines are increasingly mentioned alongside French ones: they win awards, amaze with their naturalness, minerality and modernity. So why is it worth forgetting France for a moment and taking a look at Austria?

Austria: more than Gruner Veltliner

For a long time, Austria was simply the homeland of Gruner Veltliner to the world – but modern Austrian winemakers have long outgrown this garment. The country's wine regions are famous for their exceptionally clean nature, strict quality standards and a rapidly growing natural winemaking movement. Climate change, according to research ( Wine Economics and Policy, 2023 ), has allowed the Austrians to develop a wide variety of wine styles – from refreshing whites to oranges and even experimental reds that boldly compete with the French stars.

Why is Austria keeping up with France?

In recent years, Austrian wines have been taking top prizes alongside famous French producers in international wine competitions. Most importantly, the Austrian wine scene is particularly open to innovation: natural, biodynamic, green wines, bold skin contact experiments and a unique sense of terroir have become part of Austrian daily life. Thanks to these innovations, modern Austrian winemakers are often cited by wine critics as an example of contemporary wine.

3 Austrian wine producers that will surprise even a French wine fan

1. Weingut Bründlmayer – the elegance of white wine from Kamptal
Wine: Weingut Bründlmayer Grüner Veltliner Kamptaler Terrassen 2022
Style: White dry
Grapes: Grüner Veltliner

The name Bründlmayer is a name that stands proudly in the wine world – it is one of the best producers of Austrian white wines. Their “Grüner Veltliner Kamptaler Terrassen” shines with green apple, pepper and citrus notes, and stands out with its cleanliness and refreshing minerality. This wine is the perfect answer for those who think that only Sancerre or Burgundy can create elegant whites. Bründlmayer wines have been awarded numerous times at international exhibitions and are often compared to the best French white wine grands.

2. Weingut Fred Loimer – Austrian Champagne Traditions and Modernity
Wine: Weingut Fred Loimer Brut Reserve Niederösterreich NV
Style: Sparkling white
Grapes: Zweigelt, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay

Fred Loimer is known for his biodynamic farming and exceptional sensitivity to terroir . His sparkling Brut Reserve is elegant, fresh and complex, produced in the traditional way (secondary fermentation in the bottle) and reminiscent of the best French crémants . The taste is subtly fruity, with a delicate texture, minerality, and the aroma combines green apples, citrus, and light yeast notes. This wine has already become a calling card of modern Austria.

3. Weingut Pittnauer – a red energy manifesto from Burgenland
Wine: Weingut Pittnauer Pitti Red 2021
Style: Red dry
Grapes: Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch

Pittnauer is one of Austria's most modern winemakers, creating vibrant, clean and organic wines. Pitti Red is fruity but refreshing, with notes of herbs, cherries, plums, and soft tannins. It changes the way we think about Austrian red wine: it's a great choice for a summer party (perfectly chilled) or with modern cuisine. Pittnauer shows that Austria can compete with French Beaujolais or even the lighter red wines of Burgundy.

The Austrian wine scene today is about innovation, naturalness, quality and the courage to challenge even the French elite. If you want to refresh your wine map, these three Austrian producers will be a great start. Because new wine experiences usually begin when we allow ourselves to try more than just the classics.