New appellation for Austria
August 19, 2009
By Darrel Joseph
Austria's has approved its sixth DAC appellation.
Leithaberg in Burgenland is the latest addition to the Districtus Austriae Controllatus system, which was launched in 2003 to distinguish wines that reflect an area's typical wine style.
It is the first DAC to incorporate both red and white wines as part of its identity.
To qualify for DAC status, a Leithaberg DAC white must be made from Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder (Pinot blanc), Chardonnay or Neuburger while a Leithaberg red must be produced from Blaufränkisch.
Winemaker Silvia Prieler, who helped draw up the Leithaberg DAC legislation said: 'Leithaberg DAC is so regional-specific because of its special slate and limestone soils and the climatic influences of the hill as well as Lake Neusiedl below.
'The white and red wines here are fruity, but not overly-fruity, and have a distinct elegance and minerality.'
The first wines Leithaberg DAC wines will hit the shelves in September 2010. The first white wines released will be from the 2009 vintage; the first reds will be from the 2008 vintage.
The Leithaberg comprises 1800 hectares covering approximately 50% of the Neusiedlersee-Hügelland wine-growing area.
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