Austria makes some world class wines but this was not always the case. In the early to mid-1980 a few events resulted in one of the most spectacular scandals of recent time. Much of the wines Austria were producing went straight to the German bulk wine market but the Germans wanted the sweetness and ripeness level to be much higher than Austria could produce at that stage. So what did they do? They added Diethylene glycol which was difficult to detect but added everything that the Austrians needed to sell their flavourless and acidic wine. This sounds like such a brilliant plan! Provide for the consumer and be undetectable. So how did they get caught? Income tax returns. They claimed the Diethylene glycol as a tax write off. As a result the government placed strict laws on yields and quality thus eradicating the practices and forming the base of all the quality wines that are now on the market.
Pittnauer St Laurent 'Dorflagen' Villages 2009
The wine is definitely darker and spicier than the Klassic yet it retains the medium bodied frame. The acidity really brightens up the flavours, leaving my mouth running like tap. The tannin structure is also ramped up a level or two but it never dominates or takes anything away from the overall feel of the wine. Love it.
Alcohol: 13%
Price: $32
Rated: 90
Drink: 2011 - 2018
Price: $32
Rated: 90
Drink: 2011 - 2018
Importer: Decant Wines
No comments:
Post a Comment