Country: AUSTRIA

Austrian wine is the product both of a cultural heritage embracing three millennia and of a very modern, forward-looking agriculture. It is much more than a wonderful accompaniment to the music of Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and Mahler. A new and creative generation of wine makers has established itself on the international market, and their wines are as much at home in the great restaurants of the worldÕs capitals as they are surrounded by vines in a traditional Austrian country inn.

Recent press reports have further enhanced the burgeoning reputation of Austrian wines. Ratings of 90+ on many Austrian wines are commonplace in the popular magazines and from the rating gurus.

One quality that stands out is that Austrian wines pair so well with food. The breath of complexity and wide range of taste allow chefs enormous latitude to compliment their best dishes with a bottle of Austrian wine. The May 8th tasting will feature wines from two main growing regions in Austria.

Region: Neusiedlersee-Hugelland (Burgenland)
This region presents a unique phenomenon: in the graceful countryside of the hills to the west of Lake Neusiedl seems ideal not only for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc but also for Pinot Blanc of the highest quality. Not only that: the rocky hillsides around St. Margarethen have proved first-class red wine spots. As if that were not enough there are also the excellent sweet wine vineyards along the lake shore. Such a constellation inspires a certain universalism among the wine producers working here. Austrian red and sweet wines are among AustriaÕs very best, and outstanding white wines are produced here almost as an afterthought.

Producer: Dr. Franz
Dr. Franz was a legendary medical doctor in Rust, Austria. He is the grandfather of the current winemaker. Dr. Franz began his grape growing as a gentleman farmer who loved wine. Soon, his wines were in such demand, that his son and grandson became involved in the family owned business. Today, this winery specializes in high quality, limited production wines.


DR. FRANZ , Neusiedlersee-Hugelland Burgenland

NV GOLDSECT BRUT Sparkling wine with 23karat gold leaflets

2001 CHARDONNAY KABINETT - dry white, no oak, with modest peach and citrus flavors very refreshing

1999 RUSTER RIESLING KABINETT CUVEE dry, green apple, clean and lingering finish.

2001 GEW†RZTRAMINER exotic perfume, modest peach, honey and citrus candy flavors.

2001 BLAUFR€NKISCH KABINETT med-dry, ruby red, has a beam of pure cherry, smooth & clean.

2000 BLAUFR€NKISCH BARRIQUE spicy, blackberry and toasted oak flavors, with pepper finish.

2001 BLAUBURGUNDER PINOT NOIR-SP€TLESE demi-sweet, has a beam of pure cherry, juicy texture and light weight combine in a delightful presentation, no oak

2000 EISWEIN - WHITE 500ML concentrated spicy honey and peach flavors with a bright acidity. Finish is endless.