September 2026 · Austria
Austrian September
New seasons. Remarkable wines.
There is a crispness beginning to settle into the September air. The days can still feel warm, but by evening, there is no mistaking that fall is on its way. It is a change we experience gradually with the seasons, but one that many of Austria’s vineyards experience within a single day. Warm, sunny days are followed by significantly cooler nights, creating the dramatic diurnal range that helps the grapes retain their vibrant acidity while developing beautiful aromatic intensity. This is influenced by Austria’s unique position, where warm continental air meets cooling air from the Alps and northern Europe.
Perhaps that is why Austria feels so fitting this month. My son is currently travelling through Europe and has been sending me beautiful photographs from Austria, bringing its landscapes and wine country to life at exactly the right moment.
I am always looking for ways to expand our members’ wine knowledge and introduce them to wines beyond the familiar. Austria has a fascinating wine culture, yet many of its wines and grape varieties remain relatively unknown to Canadian wine drinkers. This month, we will explore two wines that are very well known in Austria, but that many of our WineClub members may never have tasted or perhaps even heard of.
Grüner Veltliner
Austria’s signature white grape, best known for its lively acidity, notes of citrus and orchard fruit, and distinctive hint of white pepper. Styles range from light and crisp to fuller, more textured wines with impressive complexity.
Zweigelt
Austria’s most widely planted red grape, a crossing of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. Bright and fruit-forward, with cherry, red berries, gentle spice and soft tannins — fresh enough to enjoy slightly chilled.
This month’s selections offer an opportunity to discover two new grape varieties and deepen your appreciation for Austria’s distinctive wine culture. As September brings warm days, crisp evenings and the first hints of fall, I hope you enjoy exploring these wines and sharing them at home.
Cheers to new horizons
This month’s wine selections
Schloss Gobelsburg
2023 Langenlois Grüner Veltliner
Our first wine comes from Langenlois, at the heart of Austria’s Kamptal region. Schloss Gobelsburg is one of Austria’s oldest wineries, with a history dating back to 1171, when Cistercian monks were granted vineyards in the area. Today, the estate is particularly renowned for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling.
This is a dry, medium-bodied Grüner Veltliner grown primarily on the deep loess soils surrounding Langenlois. Expect aromas and flavours of grapefruit, yellow apple, pear and fresh herbs, along with the subtle white pepper and savoury character that are signatures of the grape. Bright acidity and a gentle mineral quality carry through to a fresh, persistent finish.
Food pairing
Grüner Veltliner is remarkably food-friendly. Pair this with schnitzel, roast pork, grilled fish, shellfish, asparagus, fresh salads or creamy cheeses. Its combination of freshness, texture and savoury character also makes it a wonderful wine to enjoy on its own.
Citrus · Orchard fruit · Fresh herbs · White pepper · Minerality
2022 Zweigelt
Our second selection also comes from Schloss Gobelsburg and introduces us to Austria’s most widely planted red grape. Zweigelt was created by crossing Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent. It typically produces approachable, fruit-driven wines with fresh acidity and gentle tannins.
The Zweigelt vineyards at Schloss Gobelsburg are planted on ancient banks of gravel formed during the last Ice Age, and the wine is matured in large Austrian oak casks. This is a juicy, medium-bodied red with aromas and flavours of ripe cherry, red berries and white pepper. A subtle smokiness, refreshing acidity and fine tannins give the wine structure without making it feel heavy.
Food pairing
Serve this wine lightly chilled and pair it with roast chicken or duck, charcuterie, grilled sausages, mushroom dishes, burgers or tomato-based pasta. Its freshness, soft tannins and bright fruit also make it an easy red to enjoy on its own.
Cherry · Red berries · White pepper · Subtle smoke · Fresh acidity
Together, these wines offer two very different expressions of Austria. The Grüner Veltliner is crisp, aromatic and savoury, while the Zweigelt is juicy, gently spiced and approachable. Both showcase the freshness, versatility and food-friendly character that make Austrian wines so deserving of greater attention.
Wine learning
Understanding acidity: the backbone of wine
What is acidity?
Acidity is one of the most important structural components of wine. It provides freshness, balance and energy, preventing a wine from feeling flat or heavy. Although we often describe a wine as having high or low acidity, acidity is not a flavour. It is a physical sensation that makes the mouth water, much like biting into a crisp apple or squeezing lemon over food.
Why climate matters
Climate plays an important role in determining acidity. As grapes ripen, their sugar levels rise while their acidity gradually decreases. Cooler growing conditions, particularly cool nights, slow this process and allow grapes to retain more of their natural acidity. This is one reason Austria’s dramatic difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures is so important to the character of its wines.
A friend to food
Acidity also makes wine incredibly food-friendly. Just as a squeeze of lemon can brighten a dish, a fresh, acidic wine can cut through richness, refresh the palate and bring balance to a meal. It can also help a wine age by preserving its freshness and structure over time.
How to taste acidity
You can recognize acidity by taking a sip of wine and noticing what happens after you swallow. Does your mouth begin to water? Do you immediately want another sip? The stronger and longer-lasting that sensation is, the more noticeable the acidity is likely to be. Try this with both of this month’s wines and consider how their acidity contributes to their freshness, balance and ability to pair with food.
Acidity gives wine its life, its lift and its lasting impression.