Austrian Wine Visits Bordeaux

Our voyage of discovery begins in the crazy years of rock-n-roll, at a time when Austria was drinking mostly beer and cheap wines – a time when wine afficionados dreamt of France and Italy... In the rhythm of the popular chansons of the 1970s and 80s, AWMB chief Willi Klinger – himself a showman – will describe his first experiences with the culinary cultures of Italy and France. In 1987 Willi decided upon a career in the world of wine – just as Austrian wine was finding the way out of its own ashes, and ‘rising like a phoenix into the air’. Accompanied by the sounds of Mr Klinger at the piano, we will experience this awakening for ourselves, which take will take us from Austria to New York via London, and all the way to Bordeaux.

Musical performance, followed by an informal wine tasting (four Austrian wines)

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Not to know which wine one has in the glass, trying to identify it by scent and flavour – this is known in the world of wine as ‘blind tasting’. The two sommeliers Olivier Poussier (World’s Best Sommelier 2000) and David Biraud (World’s 2nd Best Sommelier 2016) are old pros at this. This evening they will be conducting you on a guided taste comparison of exceptional wines – on the one side from their native France, and on the other from Austria. Come enjoy the insights of these two top sommeliers into top wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling and other varieties.

Saturday 17 December 2016, 11.00

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Wine has been making history in Austria for thousands of years, and has left its indelible mark upon the culture of the nation. The fine, long-living sweet wines of Austria have been famous for quite some time, as have the densely structured but graceful Austrian whites. But the quality of wine in Austria is being fined tuned on a continuous basis: Sekt from Austria is attracting more and more attention, and the nation’s great reds can certainly hold their own on the international stage. Willi Klinger, managing director of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, invites you to a voyage of discovery through the Austrian wine country, with its unique climate, its fascinating grape varieties, the wondrous landscape of the wine-growing regions and their diverse soils. And following the presentation you – of course – can taste wines from Austria.

Saturday 17 December 2016, 16.30

Free admission – more information

Musical ensemble Die Tanzgeiger play selections from Austria and neighbouring lands, authentic and entertaining. Whether it’s a Viennese waltz, a Ländler, polka or yodeler – or perhaps dance melodies in the Gypsy, Hungarian or sentimental Slavic styles – the power and joyousness of this music is just as thrilling as the virtuosity of the quartet. And since this music goes particularly well with wine, a wine tasting will be offered to complement the concert.

Saturday 17 December 2016, 19.00

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The two top sommeliers David Biraud and Olivier Poussier will reveal the secrets concerning their favourite wines from Austria, allowing attendees the opportunity to share their knowledge and their passion. A professionally guided tasting of six unique Austrian wines.

Sunday, 18 December 2016, 11.00

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Links

Fondation pour la culture et la civilisation du vin

Cité du Vin