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Austria's Wine-Growing Regions - An Overview

2025-05-26T00:00:00+02:00

Facts about Austria's wine-growing regions Austria has a total area of around 45,400 hectares devoted to wine cultivation. In contrast, Spain has around one million hectares, Italy over 700,000 and Germany over 100,000. The size of the wine-growing area in Austria is therefore comparatively manageable and the 2.5 million hectoliters of wine produced per year is rather a small amount from an international perspective. Unfortunately, the number of vintners in Austria is steadily declining. While more than 32,000 were active in 1999, today there are only around 20,000 winegrowers who are dedicated to viticulture and wine production. In general, there are four large, independent wine-growing regions in Austria, which are divided into a further 16 areas: Styria (Southeast, West and South Styria) Burgenland (Neusiedlersee, Neusiedlersee-Hügelland/Leithaberg, Central Burgenland, Southern Burgenland/Eisenberg) Lower Austria (Weinviertel, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram, Carnuntum, Thermenregion) Vienna In addition, there is the Bergland wine-growing region, which is made up of Carinthia, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Grape varietal index of the wine-growing regions in Austria The size of the vineyards and the respective terroir have a major influence on the selection of grape varietals in Austrian viticulture. As a result, a total of 22 white and 14 red grape varieties are grown in the Alpine Republic. These produce high-quality Qualitätswein and premium Prädikatsweine as well as more basic Landwein. Interestingly, the cultivation of red grapes has become increasingly popular in recent years. The proportion of red wine has doubled in the last 20 years and now takes up a third of the total wine-growing area. The most important white grape variety in Austria is Grüner Veltliner (with a vineyard share of around 33 percent) and the best-known red variety is Zweigelt with around 14 percent. Austria's wine-growing regions at a glance Lower Austria With a little more than 28,000 hectares, Lower Austria is the largest wine-growing region in Austria. Both domestic and international grape varieties are grown. The region is divided into eight areas: The Weinviertel, Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram, Carnuntum and the Thermenregion. In the latter, Zierfandler, Neuburger, Pinot Blanc and Rotgipfler are predominantly grown. Vienna Vienna enjoys the distinction of being the only capital city in the world with its own wine-growing region. In this smallest of the Austrian wine-growing regions, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Weissburgunder and Chardonnay are popular, alongside red varieties such as St. Laurent, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zweigelt. Around 640 winegrowers work in Vienna's wine-growing region, producing the new, modern "Vienna Classic" wine line, among other products. Styria Southern Styria is the highest wine-growing region in Austria and is also considered the home of fresh, fruity Welschriesling and fine, aromatic Muskateller. Crunchy Weissburgunder and Chardonnays, known here as Morillon, are also in demand. With its picturesque elevations, southern Styria is one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in Austria and Europe. In southeast Styria, fruity, fresh wines are made from grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Riesling, Grauburgunder, Weissburgunder, Chardonnay and Traminer, but Blaue Zweigelt also develops a delicately fruity character when grown here. West Styria is the smallest of the Styrian wine-growing regions and is considered the home of Schilcher, which is legally protected and is made from the Blauer Wildbacher vine. In addition, varieties such as Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Müller-Thurgau and Zweigelt also thrive. Burgenland Burgenland stretches 16,500 hectares from Neusiedlersee, over the Neusiedlersee hill country (Leithaberg), and further into central and southern Burgenland (Eisenberg) and offers a true variety of grapes. White varietals such as Weissburgunder, Welschriesling, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Neuburger, Bouvier, Traminer and Chardonnay are just as at home in the Pannonian climate as the red Zweigelts, Blaufränkisch, Blauburgunders, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots and Syrahs. All of Austria's wine-growing regions at a glance Wine-growing regions in Austria Wine region Vineyard area Important varieties Weinviertel (Lower Austria) 13,858 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling Kamptal (Lower Austria) 3,907 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling Wagram (Lower Austria) 2,720 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Roter Veltliner Kremstal (Lower Austria) 2,368 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling Thermenregion (Lower Austria) 2,181 ha Zierfandler, Rotgipfler, St. Laurent, Pinot Noir Wachau (Lower Austria) 1,344 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling Carnuntum (Lower Austria) 906 ha Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch Traisental 815 ha Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Southern Styria 2,563 ha Sauvignon Blanc, Muskateller, Weissburgunder, Morillon Vulkanland Styria (Southeast Styria) 1,524 ha Welschriesling, Weissburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer Schilcherland (West Styria) 546 ha Blauer Wildbacher, Sauvignon Blanc, Weissburgunder Neusiedlersee (Burgenland) 6,675 ha Welschriesling (sweet), Zweigelt Leithaberg (Burgenland) 3,097 ha Weissburgunder, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch Mittelburgenland (Burgenland) 2,104 ha Blaufränkisch Eisenberg (Burgenland) 515 ha Blaufränkisch Vienna 637 ha Gemischter Satz, Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay Carinthia 170 ha White Burgundy varieties, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Zweigelt, Blauburgunder Upper Austria 45 ha Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Rösler Vorarlberg (mountainous region) 10 ha Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Blauburgunder Salzburg (mountainous region) 7 ha Frühroter Veltliner Tyrol (mountainous region) 5 ha Chardonnay, Blauburgunder Austrian wine-growing regions are a paradise for the cultivation of top-quality wines The particular conditions, such as numerous steep slopes and terraces and the special climate, are responsible for the unique fruit and elegance of top Austrian wines. In Austria, sun-kissed grapes often grow on stony soils and develop their mineral character from the earliest stage. The sun not only warms the grapes, but also the stony soil. The vines benefit from this even after sunset, because the warmed soil continues to give off heat. These are ideal conditions for growing grapes. In addition, long, warm autumn days contribute to the high quality of the grapes by extending the ripening phase and thus creating even more sugar in the berries. In general, Austria's wine-growing regions are characterised by warm, sunny summer days and mild autumn days with cool nights. These in turn have a very positive effect on the fine, fruity aromas in the wine. In terms of climate, the wine-growing regions in Austria from the north-east to the south-east differ quite significantly from one another. The north is characterised by dry and warm periods, in the south there is usually a generally warm and humid climate. Just as different are the soils, which are characterised by sandstone, limestone and clay slate (southern Styria) as well as deep loess or shell limestone (Leithaberg).

Italian Wine Regions

2025-05-21T00:00:00+02:00

Italy grows a lot of wine and exports it all over the world. Italian wine-growing regions can be found from South Tyrol in the alpine foothills through central Italy to the lowest tip of Sicily. The excellent climate and numerous hours of sunshine ensure the optimum ripeness of the various grape varietals. Italian wine-growing regions - Based on tradition and history Italy was growing wine under the Roman Empire. Even then, the amount produced was so high that Italy caught up with the Greeks, who were previously known to be the largest winegrowers in the ancient world. Initially, the focus was on quantity. Then, in the 1960s, there was a change in the way winegrowers thought. Today, Italy produces great quality wines at numerous wineries and Italian wines are popular across the world. 20 Italian wine regions Around 50 million hectolitres of wine are produced in Italy every year and grapes thrive on almost 700,000 hectares of vineyards. The best-known growing areas are Tuscany, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino/South Tyrol and Friuli. Tuscany Winegrowing in Tuscany flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries and was practised primarily on church land. The total area under vines in Tuscany amounts to 58,000 hectares, on which around 2000 different grape varietals for red and white wines thrive. The mild climate and many hours of sunshine are ideal for viticulture in Tuscany. The most famous Tuscan wine is Chianti Classico, which is made from at least 70% Sangiovese grapes and has become a synonym for Italian culture. Brunello, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Rosso di Montalcino are other famous wines from this region. Piedmont In Piedmont, 3 million hectolitres of wine are produced annually on a vineyard area of 62,000 hectares. Due to the climatic conditions and soil quality, winegrowers in Piedmont produce mainly red wine. One of the best-known wines is Barolo, which is in great demand internationally for its power, elegance and finesse. In addition, Barbaresco and Barbera, both of which are made from Nebbiolo grapes like Barolo, are famous wines from this region. Light and sparkling wines can also be found in Piedmont, but Italian wine-growing regions that are as sun-kissed as Piedmont offer the best conditions for strong, lively and fruity-aromatic reds like Barolo. Friuli Venezia Giulia Friuli has around 25,000 hectares under cultivation and is considered one of the best white wine regions in Italy. The best-known wine centres include Collio, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Isonzo and Carso, where particularly high-quality whites are produced from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco alongside the local Friulano grape. White wines from this region are elegant and fresh, and are ideally suited to pairing with food thanks to their full-bodied character. Lombardy With 80,000 hectares of vineyards, Lombardy is one of the largest wine-growing regions in Italy. It is also one of the oldest. Most of the wineries are still family-owned today, but international corporations and cooperatives have also discovered and developed Lombardy as a wine-growing region. The most famous grape is the dry Soave, representative of this region and known worldwide. In Lombardy, local grape varietals play a major role and shape the majority of viticulture. White wines are in the foreground, although some reds such as light Bardolinos and Valpolicellis also thrive here. Trentino / South Tyrol South Tyrol has around 34,000 hectares of vineyards, with red and white wine playing an equally important role. The wines of the region are made from different grape varietals and are particularly aromatic. The best-known grapes in South Tyrol/Trentino include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Friulano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Teroldego and Marzemino. In this area, wine lovers will find both light, sparkling white wines and fruity reds (for example reds from Vernatsch) as well as full-bodied red wines from Lagrein grapes. The total production volume in the Trentino and South Tyrol is around 3.3 million hectolitres per year. Due to its favourable geography, geology and climate, Italy is ideally suited to grape cultivation. Taste the regional differences and take a culinary journey through a wonderful wine-making country. One thing is clear: It would take a lifetime to become familiar with the breadth of Italian wine-growing regions! ;-)

Seven Ways To Open A Wine Bottle Without A Corkscrew

2025-03-25T00:00:00+01:00

Even in well-organised households, the corkscrew can go missing How do you open a wine bottle without a corkscrew? The house is full of guests, the atmosphere is in the warm-up phase - and it's the perfect time to serve guests a light wine. But the corkscrew has passed into nirvana and is nowhere to be found. Embarrassed, you search through every drawer only to find it's gone! Our editorial team recommends staying cool and trying the life hacks tested by 9wines to keep everyone entertained. With a guaranteed fun factor! One thing is certain: You will definitely have the cork out of the wine bottle after reading this article! ;-) Seven tips on how to open the wine bottle without a corkscrew 1. A key Place the key at an angle to the cork, gently press it in and turn it so that the comb slowly drills into the cork. Then the cork can be carefully removed as if with a corkscrew. 2. Nails Three to four nails should be enough to open a wine bottle the artisan way. Knock the nails into the cork in a triangle or square and, as you carefully pull them out of the neck of the bottle with a claw hammer or pliers, the cork will come too. If you don't have a claw hammer or pliers at home, the cork can also be removed with the help of two nails and a work glove. To do this, press in the nails at an angle to the left and right sides of the cork and then remove them with protective gloves. In a pinch, you can also use a table fork, which you simply push below the nail head and then carefully pull up with slightly shaking movements. 3. Screw Grab a screwdriver and a screw. The mechanism is similar to that of a corkscrew. Simply screw the screw into the cork with a screwdriver and slowly unscrew the cork with pliers or, in an emergency, with a fork. Done! 4. Lighter To avoid burning your fingers, use a stick lighter for this method. Move it around the neck of the bottle for about a minute to warm the air between the wine and cork. Heat makes the air expand and so the cork is pushed upwards. But be careful! This works best when the bottle contains a natural or pressed cork. A plastic cork can warp in the event of large temperature fluctuations and thus become more difficult to remove from the bottle neck. And while we're talking about heat: Attention everyone who has a straightening iron at home! You can even get the cork out of the bottle with this styling tool. Just wait a short time until the heating plates of the straightening iron have warmed to at least 180 degrees, then put it on the neck of the bottle, exactly where the cavity is. Now turn the bottle and wait. This can take a few minutes, but after a while the air between the wine and the cork will have warmed up enough, expanding and pushing the cork upwards as if by magic. 5. Shoe Probably the most brutal method! Roll the bottle in a towel, tuck the bottom into a shoe, find a wall or use the floor. Tap the shoe with the wine in it. This will quietly and powerfully push the cork out of the neck of the bottle. If you are afraid of damaging the wall or floor, open the wine bottle with just a shoe and without a wall. To do this, simply sit on a chair and clamp the wine bottle upside down between your thighs. Now hit the bottom of the bottle evenly with the flat sole of the shoe until the cork has slipped out far enough so that you can remove it by hand. 6. Spoon Friends of good taste will scream at this method. Rightly so, we think! It changes the taste of the wine significantly. If you still want to open the wine with all the consequences, take an ordinary tablespoon or wooden spoon and, with the handle, press the cork into the bottle. Splash, the cork floats and the wine can be poured. 7. Bicycle pump This trick is just brilliant, because you can use it to open a bottle of wine easily without a corkscrew! You just need a bike pump/floor pump. For this method, simply push the pointed end of the pump into the cork and slowly pump away. Due to the pressure that is created in the bottle, the cork literally jumps out. Play it safe And if you want to do without a cork completely, there are fortunately many wines with screw caps. Weingut Krispel's Sauvignon Blanc Straden is very easy to open and guarantees trouble-free drinking! If you are looking for a bottle opener, we have a great deal: Get our "9wines White Wine Starter Box" and receive a super practical 9wines corkscrew and two wine glasses for free. ;-)

Does A Spoon In An Open Bottle Keep The Fizz In Sparkling Wine?

2025-03-25T00:00:00+01:00

The party is over, but that bottle of bubbly is still half full – too good to waste! An old trick suggests putting a spoon into the neck of the bottle to preserve the bubbles. But does this actually work? The Myth of the Spoon in the Bottle Many believe that inserting a spoon into the bottle’s neck keeps the carbon dioxide (CO₂) from escaping and helps maintain the fizz. However, scientific studies have shown that this effect is minimal at best – it’s more of a myth than a reliable method. Why Sparkling Wine Loses Its Bubbles Once you open the bottle, the pressure inside is released, and the CO₂ – which gives the wine its sparkle – begins to escape. Without that pressure, the wine slowly goes flat. This process can be slowed by cold temperatures, since gases stay dissolved in cooler liquids longer than in warm ones. That’s why refrigeration helps, but only a little. Does the Silver Spoon Actually Help? A silver spoon might, in theory, help dissipate warmer air from the bottle’s neck and slightly reduce gas loss. But this effect is extremely limited and very short-lived. The spoon must touch the wine to have any effect, and only real silver conducts temperature well enough. Plastic or stainless steel? No chance. What Really Works If you don’t plan to finish the bottle right away (hard to imagine, we know 😄), there’s really only one effective method to preserve the bubbles: Use a sparkling wine stopper: A proper pressure-sealed stopper is the only reliable way to keep your fizz for longer. It maintains enough internal pressure to preserve the CO₂. Refrigerate immediately: Cold slows down the escape of CO₂ – it helps a little, especially when used with a stopper. Store upright: Obviously necessary to avoid leaks, but this doesn’t noticeably improve freshness. Our tip: Use a proper sparkling wine stopper, chill the bottle, or better yet – call a friend and finish it together. 🥂

The Perfect Spritzer: 5 Tips for a Real Austrian Wine Spritz

2025-03-25T00:00:00+01:00

Summer, sun, and Spritzer! 🍹 In Austria, it's a cultural staple – in other countries, you might know it as a wine spritz or spritzed wine. But the idea is the same: crisp white wine mixed with sparkling soda water. We’ll show you how to make the perfect “G’spritzter” – the Austrian way, with five easy and refreshing tips. via GIPHY What this article covers: The best wines for a proper wine spritzer The ideal wine-to-soda ratio Why temperature matters more than you think And why you should skip the syrup & fruit decor 😉 Tip 1: Choose the right wine for your Spritzer Yes, it’s mixed with soda – but the wine still makes all the difference. So please skip the €1 carton wine! Look for young, aromatic white wines with freshness and acidity: Welschriesling Grüner Veltliner Pinot Blanc Sauvignon Blanc Chardonnay Moscato / Muscat Wiener Gemischter Satz (Viennese Field Blend) Rosé works beautifully too! For example, the Rosé Cuvee 2020 from Weingut Familie Strehn – dry, fresh, and full of peach and raspberry aromas. Perfect for a "deluxe spritzer". Tip 2: Find the right wine-to-soda ratio 1:1 is the golden rule – one part wine, one part soda. If you prefer it lighter, go ahead and add more soda. But if the wine drops below 50% – well, that’s just sad! Tip 3: Use fresh, sparkling soda water Whether you call it Spritzer or wine spritz – it only works with the right bubbles. Use chilled, freshly opened soda water to preserve the fizz. Flat water = flat drink. Tip 4: Serve it ice-cold Both the wine and the soda should be chilled – around 6°C (43°F) is perfect. In a hurry? A few ice cubes are fine, but don’t overdo it or you’ll dilute the magic. Tip 5: No need for fancy extras A true Austrian Spritzer is all about simplicity: wine + soda. No lemon slices, no lavender syrup, no flowers. A cube of ice? Sure. Anything else? Save it for your next cocktail party. FAQ: About Spritzer, Spritzed Wine & More What is a Spritzer? In Austria, it refers to a classic mix of white wine and sparkling soda water – known locally as “G’spritzter”. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for hot days. Which wine works best for a wine spritz? Young, crisp white wines with fresh acidity – think Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, or Sauvignon Blanc. Rosé is also a great choice. What’s the best mixing ratio? Go for 1:1 – one part wine, one part soda. You can adjust to taste, but the wine should still shine through. Is there a difference between Spritzer and Spritzed Wine? No real difference – “Spritzer” is the Austrian name, while “wine spritz” or “spritzed wine” is more common internationally. Same drink, same joy! So grab your glasses, chill that wine – and enjoy a spritzed summer moment! 🍷

How Many Calories Are in Wine? Red, White & Spritzers Explained

2025-03-25T00:00:00+01:00

Trying to cut calories but don’t want to skip your glass of wine? You’re in the right place. Here’s how many calories are really in your wine – from red to white to spritzer. Plus: what’s behind the “wine helps you lose weight” trend? Wine & Diet – Do They Go Together? You may have seen it on social media: fitness influencers holding yoga mats in one hand and wine bottles in the other. Sounds strange – but a study from Washington State University offers some hope. The antioxidant resveratrol found in red wine has been linked in mice studies to the transformation of white fat into brown fat, which the body burns more easily. However, this effect hasn’t been confirmed in humans, and one glass of wine contains too little resveratrol to have any significant impact. In short: wine is no miracle fat burner – but mindful enjoyment is always allowed. Wine Calories – At a Glance Here are the average calories per 1/8 liter (125 ml): Light red wine: approx. 81 kcal Full-bodied red wine: approx. 98 kcal Dry white wine: approx. 90 kcal Sweet white wine: approx. 120–125 kcal Sparkling wine: approx. 85–95 kcal White spritzer: approx. 45 kcal Calories depend mainly on alcohol and residual sugar content. Lighter, drier wines and spritzers tend to have fewer calories than sweet or high-alcohol wines. Can You Lose Weight While Drinking Wine? The honest answer: kind of. 🍷 A glass of wine contains about 80–120 kcal – similar to a piece of dark chocolate. If your diet is balanced and you stay active, a glass now and then fits just fine. Our tip: Dry white wines or well-chilled spritzers are lower in calories and perfect for summer. Wine Without Guilt At 9Weine, you'll find plenty of wines with a screw cap – perfect for spontaneous moments of joy. And if you’re looking for lighter wines, our filter tools will help you out. Our favorite quote: “Wine has good calories – damn good ones!” 😄 The author enjoyed a glass of Château Mongravey Margaux 2014 while writing this article. Zero guilt involved. Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Wine is an alcoholic beverage and should always be consumed responsibly and in moderation. Health claims related to alcoholic drinks are not permitted under EU regulations. For any questions about nutrition or health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Ultimate Provence - High-End Rosé

2022-04-05T00:00:00+02:00

Rosé is not just a girly drink! In recent years, pink wine has become a summer favourite of wine lovers across the spectrum. The reason for this is undoubtedly the flourishing French brand Ultimate Provence! Where is Ultimate Provence? The hype about UP What does Côtes de Provence rosé taste like? What's the best way to drink rosé? Don't forget what it looks like! What the 9Weine team says Where is Ultimate Provence? It's located between Nice and Marseille, only 40 minutes inland from Saint Tropez. Here, there are in-house vineyards and a wine cellar, as well as a paradise for guests. Stay in elegant rooms, enjoy modern cuisine and drink one of the best rosés in the world, practically fresh from the barrel, by the pool with a view of the vineyards. What could be better? In addition, the property also offers space for seminars and private events such as weddings. If you prefer something more active, go on hikes or mountain bike tours through the Maures Massive, in the foothills of which the Ultimate Provence property is located. The hype about UP Where does all the excitement about the Ultimate Provence brand come from? As part of the Provence Rosé Group, the brand is a new-ish project by winegrowers from the Côtes de Provence wine-growing region and has been bringing a breath of fresh air to the rosé world for a few years now. UP, as the brand abbreviates itself, grows its grapes on around 46 hectares of vineyards, especially for the production of rosé, and presses them directly. This means that you get really high-quality wine and no juice extraction from red wines. Ultimate Provence combines the best of many areas: Design, cuisine and of course wine. Those who spend their holidays in the UP Boutique Hotel experience wine tourism at the highest level. A timeless property was built near the village of La Garde-Freinet, designed by the two Monegasque designers - Humbert & Poyet. Coupled with the gourmet kitchen, which is led by Romain Franceschi, and the delicate wines from experienced winemaker Alexis Cornu, you get a unique experience in the French Côtes de Provence! What does Côtes de Provence rosé taste like? Ultimate Provence makes delicious red and white wine, but let's be honest - if you have the chance to drink such a high-quality rosé from the heart of Provence, then grab it! First of all, the rosé is a blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault and Syrah, as well as a smaller proportion of Rolle and Vermentino. A colourful bouquet of ripe lemons, raspberries and strawberries spreads across the nose. Slightly floral and spicy notes present themselves on the palate, which harmoniously integrate the fruity scent. Overall, the rosé is very finely balanced. Fruit and freshness go hand in hand here. With its round and medium-bodied finish, you'll want a second sip right away! What's the best way to drink rosé? At the dining table, rosé with its varied portfolio of flavours is ideal with salmon or seafood. However, if you're sitting on a terrace on a hot summer's day, put it in a bottle cooler filled with ice cubes to create a pure summer feeling that takes you and your friends straight to French Provence. Don't forget what it looks like! Wine isn't just something for the palate, it's also a treat for the eye. This glass bottle is extremely elegant and, with its vintage touch, a masterpiece in itself. Use it as a vase or water carafe and enjoy it for longer. If you've planning large bouquets of flowers, grab the Magnum bottle! ;) What the 9Weine team says This rosé from Ultimate Provence is one of our bestsellers for good reason! Wine Enthusiast awarded it 90 points, Falstaff magazine gave it 91 points and it's one of our favourite wines, especially in summer! A bottle, whether 0.75l or a magnum, is ideal for a relaxed get-together and a gift that you can't go wrong with!

The Stellenbosch Wine Region

2022-04-05T00:00:00+02:00

The Stellenbosch wine region Wild animals on safari, penguins on Boulders Beach, the cloud cover on Table Mountain or the southernmost tip of the continent, the Cape of Good Hope - what is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beautiful South Africa? As a wine lover, this question can be easily answered: Stellenbosch! The colonisation of South Africa in 1652 The French bring the wine Study viticulture in Stellenbosch The largest and most important wine region in Africa South African wine in our shop The colonisation of South Africa Stellenbosch is not only the largest and most important wine-growing region in South Africa, it's the largest on the entire African continent. But first things first. The year is 1652 and the Dutchman Jan van Riebeeck has built a supply station on the southern tip of Africa. Cape Town was founded in the same year and derives its name from the Cape of Good Hope. Somewhat later, and about 50 km to the east, the governor of Cape Town, Simon van der Stel, laid the foundation stone in 1679 for what was then the settlement of Stellenbosch. It took its name from him, and Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in all of South Africa after Cape Town. The French bring the wine French Protestants, known as Huguenots, were being persecuted in distant France and most of them were driven out of the country. Many ended up in other European countries, but some come, via the Netherlands, as far as South Africa. In 1688, the fleeing Huguenots arrived in Stellenbosch and brought viticulture to South Africa. Stellenbosch today Since the French brought viticulture into the country, the area under cultivation has grown to almost 17,000 hectares, i.e. around 17% of the total area in the country is covered by vines. Thus, Stellenbosch developed from a small settler village to the largest wine-growing region in Africa. Today there is even a university in the city where you can study viticulture and oenology, as well as the oenological institute, which runs laboratories and cultivates experimental vineyards. Facts about local viticulture On the other side of the world, the conditions are different and the soil of the vineyards is coloured deep red. Why? This is because of the crushed granite soils that are typical here. There are also slate and sandy soils on which the vines grow. The little precipitation that prevails falls mainly in the summer and is then stored in the ground. The roots of the vines reach deep into the ground and so are able to take care of themselves in the dry and hot seasons. The finest red and white wines grow at between 150 and 400 metres above sea level. Well-known South African grape varieties include the red Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot, as well as the white Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. South African wine in our shop If you want to try good wine from South Africa, you've come to the right place. At 9wines, we have the best red and white wines from the Stellenbosch wine region. You can get great wines for fair money from the Aaldering Wines, which is one of the few wineries to be given 95 points in the South Africa Wine Index. You can find an Austria-South Africa cooperation at the Constantia HILL winery. As the name indicates, this is a project by the star Austrian winemaker, Leo Hillinger.

Pour Wine Like An Expert

2021-12-01T00:00:00+01:00

When entertaining guests, we all want to pour the wine properly. In order to do so, consider these small, but important, details before the doorbell rings. In summary: Open the bottle in front of your guests Do not touch the wine glass with the bottle Always hold the body of the bottle Pour white and rosé wine up to a maximum of half a glass Red wine glasses should be no more than a third full Where to open the bottle In general, open bottles in front of your guests. Don't hide them in the kitchen. This ensures that everyone sees it's the original wine. In the past, people wanted to be sure landlords weren't substituting a bad wine for their own bottles. The best way to get into your wine is with our 9wines corkscrew! Thanks to the two-stage hinge, the bottle will be open in a matter of seconds. Big belly or slim neck? Wine should be enjoyed. Accordingly, pour it slowly and carefully. The best way to do this is to hold the bottle in the middle of its body, giving you the greatest control over the flow of liquid. Holding the bottle by the neck may look cool, but runs the danger of a few drops missing the glass. With a firm grip on the bottle, gently tilt it over the glass with the label always pointing outwards - your guests want to know what they're about to drink. No gos and help No matter what time it is or how many measures you're pouring, there's a general no-go that should always be observed. The bottle should under no circumstances touch the edge of the glass. Firstly, it doesn't look nice. Secondly, it can cause clinking and scratching. In the worst-case scenario, it may even break your wine glass. There is, however, a simple tool to make pouring easier. The so-called “drop stop” is a disc that's rolled up to form a spout and inserted into the neck of the bottle, allowing the wine to flow smoothly into the glass. If you don't want too many glasses cluttering up your cupboards, use this universal UNO wine glass from Sophienwald. It's ideal for red, white and sparkling wines. The amount of wine matters! It might look stingy if you don't serve your guests a full wine glass, but, for the best experience, less is more. The wine needs air to fully develop its bouquet. That's why white and rosé wines are poured to a maximum of half a glass, and red wines to a maximum of a third. Fill a glass with sparkling wine, as this is the best way to observe the bubbles as they rise. Fill slim champagne glasses up to two thirds.

What You Need To Know About Sulphites In Wine

2021-06-07T00:00:00+02:00

Sulphites are salts of sulphurous acid that are used as preservatives in the food industry due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. They are also known as sulphur or sulphur dioxide. Sulphites are added to dried fruit, potato products and wine in order to make them more durable. Sulphites in wine You can tell whether a wine contains added sulphites by the words "Contains sulphites" or "Contains sulphur dioxide". These words can be found on numerous wine labels. Since 2005, there has been an EU-wide labelling requirement for sulphites in wine (from a concentration of 10 mg/l), as they are considered an allergenic substance. Why do we need sulphites? During the ageing process, wines develop aromas. Great wines like Brunello or Barolo in particular have enormous storage potential. However, if no sulphites have been added to the wine, it can oxidise more quickly, changing its taste and developing defects. Sulphites prevent both oxidation and secondary fermentation in wines with residual sugar and ensure that the wine can develop the desired aromas. Stages of sulphurisation Sulphurisation can take place in several stages of winemaking. Large wine producers in particular sulphurise freshly-harvested grapes to prevent fermentation. However, if the grapes are picked by hand and are in good condition, this first sulphurisation is not necessary. Sulphites are very helpful in stopping fermentation in wooden barrels or steel tanks. Here yeasts will continue to ferment the wine until the sugar has been processed and converted into alcohol. However, if the wine contains a certain amount of residual sweetness, sulphites can stop fermentation in a controlled manner. More sulphur can also be added before bottling to enable problem-free storage. Between 90 and 400 mg/l sulphur dioxide can be added to wine, for example in the form of gas, aqueous solution or powder, depending on the type of wine and the residual sugar content. Red wine naturally contains more sulphites that protect it from oxidation. White and rosé wines therefore usually have more sulphites added. The more residual sugar the wine contains, the more sulphites it needs, since the higher the amount of sugar, the greater the risk of secondary fermentation. As a result, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein contain the highest levels of sulphites. Are there wines without sulphites? First of all: No. ;-) Grape berries naturally contain a small amount of sulphites. And the yeasts that are used for fermentation also develop sulphur compounds. It follows that every wine contains very small amounts of natural sulphites (10-30 mg/l). So there are no wines that are completely sulphite-free, even if no artificial sulphur has been added. The concentration of natural sulphite is usually below 10 mg/l and is therefore not subject to labelling. Unsulphurised wine, to which no sulphites have been added, exist but the wine is not sulphur-free. The "Contains sulphites" note on the label indicates either artificially added sulphites or naturally occurring sulphites that have exceeded the value limit. Are wines without sulphites better? Conventionally produced wine contains sulphites up to the legal maximum amount (400 mg/l). The production of organic wines is based on values that are below the statutory maximum permitted. Biodynamic wines also fall below these values and use even less sulphur in winemaking. However, organic and biodynamic wines are being brought onto the market without added sulphites. Winegrowers who produce Natural Wines/Naked Wines/Vin Naturel aim to avoid additional sulphites. However, whether a wine contains sulphites or not doesn't say anything about the quality. One advantage of unsulphurised wine is that it lasts much longer once the bottle has been opened.