1. Central European wine identity: myth or reality?
©2011 Julia Sevenich
Despite changing national boundaries throughout history, scholars assert a distinct
Central European culture based on similarities emanating from historical, social and
cultural characteristics. Central Europe is often viewed as the area of cultural heritage
of the Habsburg Empire and this is particularly true from a wine standpoint.. Despite
the fact that “Central Europe” is not a legally defined and protected geographic region
of origin for wine in current or past legislation, it is worthwhile considering the
identity of Central European wine from a cultural aspect. Do the wine regions of
Austria, Alsace, Alto Adige, the Czech Republic, Friuli, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia,
Slovenia, and Switzerland share a common identity?
Central European wine cultivation is highly fragmented. Wine grapes have usually
been one of several different crops on small agricultural farms. The average grape
grower in Central Europe has less than two hectares of vineyards. Post WWII saw the
first wave of agricultural farms specializing in wine grapes and subsequently a growth
in the number of grape growers producing and bottling their own wines rather than
selling grapes to larger producers and cooperatives. Magnifying this fragmented
structure is the fact that Central Europe has always been multi-lingual and multi-
national. Borders of the various countries and legislations have changed and been
redefined multiple times. As fragmented as this may appear, this is actually a binding
aspect because this diversity is universal throughout Central Europe and has provided
a breeding ground for one of the world’s richest sources of creative and intellectual
talent.
Central Europe is geographically encompassed by the Alps to the west and the
Carpathian Mountains to the north and the east. The climate for wine cultivation
can be defined as continental and in all parts of Central Europe where the climate is
moderate enough, wine cultivation thrives. Central European vineyard area covers
over 330,000 hectares and is in 5th place in global wine production behind France,
Italy, Spain, and the USA. The importance of wine in Central European lifestyle can
be observed in the vineyard area, production volume, export and annual per capita
consumption in the graphic below.

2. Per capita
Vineyard Production Export consumption in
Ha HL % litres per year
Austria 49.900 2.628 19,60 29,50
Alsace 15.353 * * *
Alto Adige 5.000 * * *
Czech Republic 17.700 821 10,30 17,20
Friuli 18.700 * * *
Germany 102.000 10.261 34,50 25,20
Hungary 75.000 3.222 18,60 26,90
Slovakia 17.600 363 35,50 12,10
Slovenia 17.300 664 6,40 34,20
Switzerland 14.820 1.039 1,92 38,90
Statistic source: OIV 2007
*Regional statistics not available. National per capita wine consumption in
litres per year for France is 52, for Italy 45
The continental climate that reigns in Central Europe has greatly influenced the choice
of grape varieties planted for wine production. For the most part, the climate is cool
and over 50% of the vineyard area is planted with white wine grape varieties. Central
Europe is responsible for 75% of the world’s Riesling vineyard area (source:
Fischer/Swoboda “Riesling”) which is planted mostly in Germany, Alsace and
Austria. The exquisite off-dry Rieslings of the Mosel with low alcohol levels are an
inimitable style that is admired around the world. The Rieslings in general from
Central Europe are viewed globally as role models for the variety. Black grape
varieties are prevalent only in the Pannonian Plains of Burgenland in Austria and
Hungary which comprise the warmest parts of Central Europe. An estimated 20-30%
of the world’s Pinot Noir is planted in Central Europe which is the region’s
predominant black grape variety. Riesling and Pinot Noir are followed by several
other varieties. Grüner Veltliner has recently established itself as a popular brand from
Austria. There are hopes that the unique Blaufränkisch (synonyms: Kékfrancos,
Lemberger) will also establish itself as a brand, for it certainly has a unique profile
among red wines and is a variety that is found nearly nowhere else in the world.
Welschriesling (synonyms: Olasz Rizling, Laški Rizling) and Müller Thurgau
(Rivaner) are likewise varieties that are associated nearly exclusively with Central
Europe. The significance of Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Welschriesling and
Blaufränkisch after Riesling and Pinot Noir can be seen in the graph below.

3. Quality wines are made from over 200 different grape varieties in Central Europe.
Most of the wines are single-varietal wines and carry the name of the variety on
the wine label. This is also demonstrated in Alsace, Alto Adige and Friuli which lie in
countries that otherwise generally use geographic labels of origin rather than varietal
labelling. As one can see in the graph below many of these varieties are found across
several countries and sub-regions in Central Europe.

4. Geographic labels of origin that do not mention the grape variety are less prolific in
Central Europe, but do exist in areas where a unique wine style has been established
over a long period of time and this wine style employs more than one variety.
Examples of this are the botrytized sweet wine specialties Tokaij and Ruster
Ausbruch. Dry white, dry red, botrytized sweet wine, sweet wine from dried grapes,
ice wine and sparkling wine are all produced in Central Europe. Production of fortified
wine has little tradition here. There are styles that are unique that have established an
internationally recognized identity. Besides the botrytized sweet wine specialties
mentioned above, there are also the Trockenbeerenauslese from Austria and Germany,
Rosenmuskateller from Alto Adige and Picolit and Ramandolo from Friuli.
Central Europe is a dynamical historic concept, not a static spatial one. “Central
Europe” is not a legally defined geographic region and its manifestation as an
identity on a wine label shall remain a myth. Despite this, the concept is a reality
in a wine cultural sense. This is documented by the common grape varieties shared
among the different sub-regions, many of them autochthon grape varieties that are
found nearly exclusively in Central Europe. Also testifying to wine’s significant role
in Central European culture is the relatively high annual per capita consumption and
its use as a regular beverage with meals. Wine is the beverage of choice at diplomatic
and public celebrations as well as at business and private dinners. The Roman Catholic
religion continues to be the most prevalent religion in Central Europe and wine is a
part of the religious ritual at mass. A rich heritage is documented by historic and
unique Central European wine styles that continue to be treasured and sought-after on
a global scale in today’s modern wine world. Grape varieties can be planted anywhere
in the world as is demonstrated by two indigenous Central European varieties Riesling
and, more recently, Grüner Veltliner. It is important not only to highlight the variety in
branding for a global market, but also the geographic region of origin. There exist
several terroir of very high pedigree in Central Europe - terroir that leaves an
inimitable stamp. Measures should be taken to ensure high qualities and authentic
expressions of these terroir and this uniqueness should be communicated to consumers
clearly. A movement away from varietal labelling in favour of clearly defined
geographic regions of origins can be observed in Central Europe. The Austrian DAC
system is now a part of that country’s wine legislation. The beginning of a movement
towards vineyard classification is also observed among various vintner associations
throughout Central Europe. It is not just the variety, but inimitable terroir and historic
wine culture that lend Central European wine its unique identity and point of
difference on the market. Although “Central Europe” may never be found on a wine
label, there are unique terroirs from the region that have established international
recognition and respect and there promises to be more in the future.