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. .

Region: Kremstal (Niederosterreich-Lower Austria)
Bordering the eastern part of the Wachau, the Danube valley suddenly opens up into a sun-drenched plain with gently rolling hills. This characteristic openness is communicated to the wines. The Gruner Veltliner here is approachable with soft fruit and a distinctive pepper note, while the Riesling from the stone terraces is fragrant and elegant. On the southern bank of the Danube, cowering underneath the imposing Baroque structure of the Gottweig monastery, the range of wines includes not only full-bodied whites, but also some remarkable red wines combining northern elegance with the temperament of the south.

Producer: Felsner
In the Felsner family for many generations, the winery is now being tended to and run by the youngest of the current generation, Manfred Felsner. Devoting himself to his familyÕs business after university, Manfred cultivates about 30 acres of old vines in the Krems Valley. Ambitious, knowledgeable and ready to break with old traditions, ManfredÕs stated goal is to Òcreate only the bestÓ. In fact, his Gruner Veltliner Kabinett has won numerous gold medals, and his Gruner Veltliner Rohrendorfer Rieden was one of only 10 wines selected in 2001 from all of Austria for the prestigious ÒAustrian Wine SalonÓ. In his first international show in Chicago at the Beverage tasting Institute, his wines won scores
of 88 and 90 points.



FELSNER Kremstal (Niederosterreich-Lower Austria)

2001 GR†NER VELTLINER Ð KABINETT beautiful floral/grapefruit aroma, peppery with silky, graceful structure.

DR. FRANZ , Neusiedlersee-Hugelland Burgenland

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.

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