IWSC Wine Judging in Austria: Reflections After Day One

Inspiring, eye-opening and energising. That’s how one judge described their experience on the opening day of IWSC wine judging in Austria.

Now in its third year, the IWSC returns to Austria, this time in the heart of the Steiermark (Styria) region in Southeastern Austria. The judging is hosted in partnership with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, spotlighting the country’s distinctive wines and winemaking heritage.

Day one featured a diverse selection of Austrian wines, including red, white, rosé and orange wines from various winegrowing regions across the country. Entries included both dry and sweet styles, offering a comprehensive picture of Austria’s viticultural landscape. While mainstream grape varieties performed consistently well, more discussion was sparked by lesser-known grapes such as Roter Veltliner, and by differing opinions on oak influence in some of the wines tasted.

The initial tastings offered a compelling reminder of the quality and diversity found in Austrian wine – a message that deserves a much wider audience.

One clear standout was the Sauvignon Blanc from Steiermark. These wines drew widespread acclaim from the judging panel for their quality, complexity and commercial appeal. One judge remarked, “I really enjoyed our flight of Sauvignon Blancs from Steiermark. The standard was excellent. Great to see such high quality Sauvignons coming out of Austria.” Another added, “Here’s a convincing argument for the merit of this divisive variety when grown in a region you may not expect. These wines were layered, with salt crystal acidity and well-integrated wood ageing.”

There was also recognition for the premium positioning of Steiermark Sauvignon Blanc. As one judge put it, “These are really well made Sauvignons with plenty of character and maturity. The quality certainly warrants the higher price point.”

Austria’s most famous white wine export, Grüner Veltliner, also impressed. This year’s competition included several Reserve-level entries that generated positive feedback. “Grüner Veltliner remains a key point of difference for Austria,” said one judge. “It’s so distinctive, offering savoury rather than fruity profiles.” Another added, “The DAC Reserve Grüner Veltliner flight showed a lovely and defined personality. I was genuinely impressed.”

The judging panels also evaluated a selection of Austrian red wines, including Zweigelt, which showcased a range of styles. These sparked debate, particularly around oak usage. One judge noted, “Our highest scoring Zweigelts were unoaked, with bright, ripe primary fruit, low but ripe tannin and fresh, crunchy acidity. This style aligns perfectly with the growing trend for fresher, lighter reds that can be served lightly chilled.”

The IWSC judging team in Austria is led by Wine Judging Committee Member Dirceu Vianna Junior MW. The panels include a mix of experienced wine buyers from both the on-trade and off-trade, as well as other industry professionals. [Link to list of judges]

Full results and further comments will be published on the IWSC website on Monday, 9 June 2025.