Legally Yours
Austrian wine law is based on European wine legislation. Austria, however, has maintained its individuality. Controlled origin, capped yields, quality designations and official quality controls are the pillars of Austrian wine law. Three general quality designations are recognized: Tafelwein (table wine), Qualitätswein (wine of quality), and Prädikatswein (“certified” wine). The categories are determined by the sugar content of the grape must, expressed according to the Klosterneuburger Mostwaage (KMW) system.

Important elements of the label are origin, varietal, vintage, quality designation, alcohol content, residual sugar, official control number, producer, and bottler.

Controlled origin and capped yields: the highest allowed yield per hectare for Landwein, Qualitätswein, and Prädikatswein is 9,000 kg of grapes, or 6,750 kg of wine. If more is produced the entire yield must be classed as the lowest quality designation, Tafelwein. Tafelwein can be sold without exact reference to origin, varietal, and vintage.

Austrian Qualitätswein and Austrian Prädikatswein are controlled twice by state laboratories: a chemical analysis is followed by a tasting commission. The official control number and the red-white-red band document this extensive process of control and quality assurance.