Austrian Red Wine? Yes. Austrian Red Wine!

Anton Iby has me convinced. And I’m pretty sure this Austrian winemaker, if given the opportunity (read: try his wines) would convince you as well that Austrian red wines have great potential. No, I didn’t mistype “Australian”, I really mean Austrian red wines. The small European country, most well known for the Governator and for having some good wines of the white variety is overlooked as having quality…heck, as having ANY red wines!

A few weeks back at a winemakers tasting I spoke with Anton Iby about wine is Austria. I admitted to him that I have only tried a few Austrian red wines, and that they were at the very best, palatable. Iby noted that this sentiment is quite normal in wine shops in the US and quite frankly, most of the world. But people in Mittelburgenland, the Austrian wine region where Iby’s wines are made, have known for years the potential and quality of red wines in the region.

The major red grapes of Austria are the Blaufranksih, Blauer Portugieser, Saint Laurent (France origins), Blauerburgunder (Pinot Noir) and the hybrids Zweigelt (cross between the Blaufrankisch and St. Laurent) and Blauberger (cross between Blaufrankisch and Blauer Portugieser).

The Iby’s make a wide variety of red wines including the following (the image as well as this list is from their website):

Unoaked: Mittelburgenland DAC Classic Zweigelt Classic Mittelburgenland DAC Hochäcker

Oaked: Chevalier - Blaufränkisch Barrique Private Reserve - Cuvée Barrique Quintus - Top Cuvée Dürrau - Blaufränkisch Barrique

The Dürrau Blaufränkisch Juwel (My rating: 93 pts) was exceptional, and although a bit pricey around $50, I picked up two bottles. The thing that impressed me most about the wines were the balance and structure. Overall the fruits were ripe and alive, very “new world” style. The oak, when used, was just the right amount to add spice and character to the wines without overpowering the fruits. All of the Iby wines had exceptional balance and an elegance to them that keeps me wondering what else the region has to offer. My full tasting notes for these wines will be posted this weekend.

Currently, Iby’s wines are available at many retailers in the United States. I know the Wine Source in Hampden has quite a few in stock and they are imported by Domaine Select. I’d recommend at the very least giving one a try. I think you’ll be quite surprised at the quality of the wine. And when it comes down to it, we all want a wine that tastes good. Simply put: all of the Iby wines I tried were very unique and also very good.