1999 Asparagus Wine Selection - An exquisite vegetable demands an exquisite wine
May 3, 1999 - The best spring vegetable that thrives in Austria is best enjoyed with Austrian wine. Mild and extract-rich Grüne Veltliner and Weißburgunder, as well as Chardonnay or Sauvignon blanc, harmonise magnificently with classic asparagus dishes.
- White wine glasses, © AWMB / Anna Stöcher
At the asparagus wine tastings this year in the Hotel am Sachsengang in Groß Enzersdorf, 400 submitted quality wines were subjected to blind tastings by a qualified jury of expert journalists, asparagus farmers, representatives of the wine business, and the Chaïn des Rôtisseurs. The jury made a selection of 60 growths which may bear the distinction "1999 Asparagus Wine Selection."
The asparagus wines will be presented on May 6th on the occasion of the first Asparagus and Wine Market to a specialist public.
Which varieties are suitable as asparagus wines?
For the first time, three categories were created to accommodate the variety structure in Austria.
- Grüne Veltliner
- Weißburgunder and
- variety diversity
In the tastings of recent years it was established that Grüner Veltliner and Weißburgunder are especially suitable for asparagus dishes - when they are dense and full-bodied, and the acidity is harmonically contained. In the "variety diversity" category, especially the Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc proved to be an excellent accompaniment to asparagus. The exception is the rule.
PARTICIPANT CONDITIONS:
The nominated quality wines must be from the 1998 vintage and of "classic" (no marked woodiness) maturity.
An alcohol content of 13% must not be surpassed.
Around 1/3 of the wines will be sought within the 12% alcohol range.
A minimum number of 500 bottles of the wines submitted must be made available.
Selection according to three categories:
1/3 Weißburgunder, 1/3 Veltliner, 1/3 variety diversity and Cuvées
The jury tasting in cooperation with the wine business took place on March 16, 1999, at the Hotel am Sachsengang, Groß Enzersdorf.
Download
- 1999_asparaguswine_winners.pdf (pdf, 119 K)
Austrian Wine Marketing Board
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