Austria is best known for the quality of its dry white wines produced from both local grape Gruner Veltliner and from Riesling.
The major wine producing regions of Austria are located in the east of the country and these vineyard areas have a cool continental climate with short summers and very harsh winters.
In addition to Gruner and Riesling, other key grape varieties to note include Welschriesling which is used in the production of dessert wines and Zweigelt which is the most widely planted black grape variety.