These grape varieties are best suited for the finest sparkling wine

In his sparkling wine cellar in Gols, Burgenland, Peter Szigeti is particularly fond of the Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling and Pinot Blanc grape varieties. Red grape varieties find their way into his sparkling wine bottles as rosé or pressed white. Learn more about the grapes that transform winemaking and cellar art into sparkling pleasure.

A glance at the map shows: Austria's wine-growing regions are located in the climatically favoured east. Depending on the region, different grape varieties are cultivated for the production of sparkling wine. However, the classics Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay lead the way. For particularly aromatic sparkling wine, base wines of Gelber Muskateller and Muskat Ottonel are processed. In this way, a wide variety of sparkling wines can be produced for every taste and occasion.

White and red grape varieties for sparkling wines

For the popular rosé sparkling wines, the whole range of red grapes is used, from Zweigelt to Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir. Only a very small part of the red grapes is processed into red sparkling wine. The aromatic varieties such as Gelber Muskateller, Muskat Ottonel and Sauvignon Blanc are, by the way, very popular for the production of sparkling wine or Frizzante.

Grape varieties for French champagne

Even though sparkling wine from SZIGETI is produced according to the same Méthode Traditionnelle as champagne, only the original sparkling wine from Champagne is allowed to bear this name. In Champagne, a province in the north-east of France, the three main varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The white Chardonnay grapes produce the popular Blanc de Blancs, the red varieties Blanc de Noirs, when the grapes are pressed quickly and therefore do not have a rosé or red colour.

The best grapes from the Neusiedlersee region

Peter Szigeti relies one hundred percent on grapes harvested in the vineyards around Lake Neusiedl: "The grape varieties benefit from the Pannonian climate, the many hours of sunshine and the cool nights, which we owe to the lake. Thus, grape varieties that also thrive elsewhere develop their incomparable and excellent character at Lake Neusiedl." The result - the Premium Sparklings from SZIGETI - can be purchased conveniently in the online shop.

Small grape variety encyclopaedia

Which grape variety tastes how? Here is a small overview for your first orientation.

Grüner Veltliner

It combines the aroma of apple, pear and exotic fruits; absolutely unmistakable is its "Pfefferl" - the taste of white pepper. Last but not least, the aroma, which cannot be described otherwise than "flint", gives it its characteristic polish.

Welschriesling

Its trademarks are a higher acidity, aromas of fresh apple and citrus. Exotic hints and a fine honey note also accompany the play of aromas. The wines are fresh and fruity, drinkable, finely spicy and a little harsh.

Weißburgunder or Pinot Blanc

It seduces with its taste of citrus fruits, white blossoms, apple, peach and almond or nut. Its fragrance is delicate and rather restrained. Pinot Blanc is one of the most popular grape varieties in Burgenland as well as worldwide.

Chardonnay

The aromas of apple, quince and exotic fruits combine with elegant spiciness of meadow flowers, but also nuts and minerality. Aromas of white bread, dried fruit and sultanas are also typical of Chardonnay wines.

Muscat Ottonel

The cross between Chasselas and an unknown Muskat variety is in exactly the right place in the vineyards of Lake Neusiedl. Its exoticism with lychee and elderflower or even mango is remarkable. Its character is full and mild, with a typical Muskat flavour.

Yellow Muscat

This classic grape variety was already popular in ancient times. It is racy, piquant and presents itself with a more or less intense muscat aroma and flavour. Its typical aroma comes out deliciously as sparkling wine.

Zweigelt

The liaison of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent is a real crowd pleaser. The wine is characterised by violet reflections and strong tannin. Its aroma presents cherry, cinnamon, violets and spices. It is made into tasty rosé and red sparkling wine (Rouge de Noirs).

Blaufränkisch

This very old variety is also a cross between the Blue Cinnamon Grape and the White Heunisch. The Burgenland's leading variety delights with aromas of cherry, forest, spices and toast. Pressed quickly, the base wine is made into high-quality rosé.

Pinot Noir or Spätburgrund

This grape variety also knows how to impress with a wealth of aromas. Cherry and cassis, pepper and dried plums as well as mushrooms create the typical, great character. As a rosé sparkling wine, it is an excellent accompaniment to food.

Would you like to learn more about the grape varieties whose wines are refined into the finest Premium Sparkling at the SZIGETI sparkling wine cellar? Make an appointment now for your cellar tour including tastings!