School of Wine

For the first time, the vintage year 2021 sees the Wagram present wines with specific origin typicity. Great opposites converge in the emerging region of the Wagram. And produce something wonderful. A Pannonian climate and cool Waldviertel winds. Tradition and innovation. Internationally renowned and autochthonous grape varieties. Metres thick loess soil for Grüner Veltliner with a great texture. Strong gravelly soils for full-bodied Roter Veltliner. Mineral limestone for the fruity Riesling.
This exciting wine-producing region constitutes the wine provenance Wagram DAC: From wines typical to the region via domain-typical wines through to the highest quality single vineyard wines, the Wagram capitalises on its range of varieties with identifiable origins. Peter Moser, editor-in-chief of Falstaff magazine, presents the typical Wagram wine in all its facets in this exciting tasting session. Come and see for yourself why Grüner Veltliner sees red!

Zweigelt, Austria‘s by far most commonly cultivated and most popular red wine variety, ranges from young-drinking, non-oak matured versions to strong, structured and firm wines from the barrique.
In this very special masterclass tasting the international renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier Stefan Neumann MS will show you the diversity and versatility of this archetypal Austrian grape variety based on Austria‘s most significant dedicated Zweigelt areas of origin, Neusiedlersee DAC (Burgenland) and Carnuntum DAC (Niederösterreich). Can Zweigelt be the next international big hit for Austrian reds? What stylistics may succeed? Exciting questions to share with the experienced moderator as well as the producers.

The Weinviertel DAC is celebrating its 20th anniversary! The first vintage of Austria’s first DAC wines will be presented in an exciting tasting highlight. These wines launched the triumphant procession of DAC wines of origin in Austria. Wines that have “Weinviertel” on the label are unique, unmistakable, and above all typical for Austria’s largest wine-growing region: hearty, spicy Grüner Veltliners with their inimitable peppery aroma. In this tasting, A la Carte wine editor-in-chief Willi Balanjuk will span the spectrum of Weinviertel DAC wines from mature examples from the early years to Weinviertel DAC Reserve wines from great vintages while shedding light on the value of Austria’s oldest wines of origin as exceptional wines and perfect food accompaniments.

„What are the most unique sweet wine regions of the world? The west and east shore of Lake Neusiedl – no doubt for me!“ says Dr. Josef Schuller MW, director of the Austrian Wine Academy, Master of Wine and host of this masterclass tasting. In the last 500 years of history the sweet wines of these regions were wines of Kings and kings of wines. The Freistadt Rust doing this with the longest tradition – at least until the 16th century. The east bank of Lake Neusiedl – here above all the protected sub-region Seewinkel – has become the „rising superstar“ among the major sweet wine appelations in the world over the past 50 years. Burgenland can truly be happy to have defined Ruster Ausbruch DAC and Neusiedlersee DAC as a protected origin for their world champion sweet wines. Don’t miss this masterclass tasting with some of the best sweet wines of this entire world.

Interested in learning more about one of Austria’s original wine regions off the beaten path? Join us for a detailed exploration of the Thermenregion, based on limestone bedrock southwest of Vienna, and renowned for some of the noblest and most historically important wines of Austria: Zierfandler, Rotgipfler & St.Laurent, Pinot Noir. Journey through the evolution of these unique varietals from their origins to the current wines of extraordinary character. Broaden your Austrian wine expertise and learn more about age-worthy wines from first class vineyards in a fascinating and insightful workshop with the leading wine makers of the region.

Nuances and diversity of Nero d'Avola through territories and vin-tages.
The sensorial nuances of Nero d'Avola are the focus of this mas-terclass, organised by the Consortium DOC Sicily, the guest wine-makers' group at VieVinum. A reflection of the seductive aromas and flavours of Sicily, the interplay of Nero d’Avola’s varietal typicity, terroir and vintage characteristics will be analysed on the basis of the presented samples. An exciting profiling of Sicily's most im-portant autochthonous red wine grape variety, which enjoys the highest international reputation.

Hardly ever before has a young generation of winemakers had so many opportunities to develop and make significant decisions. And this involves going far beyond the pursuit of the best wine quality. They are dealing with issues and topics that range from climate change and the circular economy to autochthonous grape varieties versus new grape variety breeds - and, of course, the omnipresent call for character of origin. At this tasting, 24 young winemakers from the newly launched VieVinum Cross Mentoring programme will each give insights into their personal vision of the future of viticulture based on a selected wine.

All mentees 2022

Together with Othmar Kiem (Falstaff Editor-in-Chief Italy) as moderator, the guest wine region of South Tyrol raises the flag for its autochthonous wine treasures. This small winegrowing region has plenty of them to show. The versatility of the terroir, the contrasting climatic conditions coupled with the wealth of experience and innovative spirit of the wineries, independent winegrowers and cellars produce an incomparable range of characterful wines in South Tyrol.

A range of grape varieties have featured in the previous national competitions between an Austrian ‘eleven’ and a team from Germany. Sometimes Austria (captained by Dr. Walter Kutscher) has edged ahead in the final result, whilst on other occasions it has been Germany (presented by VINUM editor Rudolf Knoll) that has been left celebrating. Now we have a new special issue featuring a head-to-head between two prestigious associations that have taken up the cause of vineyard classifications. In the German corner is the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates), founded in 1910. Austria’s selection of wines is presented by the ÖTW (Austrian Association of Traditional Wine Estates). The grape variety of choice is Riesling from the 2019 vintage, in wines with the designation Großes Gewächs (VDP) and Erste/Große Lage (ÖTW). An evenly divided six-person panel will evaluate the wines in front of an audience.