The Austrian Explorer - This Month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club

Welcome to this month's Novel Wines Explorer's Club, the UK's most exciting wine subscription for the curious drinker. Each month, we will introduce you to a new wine region as part of our promise to deliver no two wines the same for a whole year. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.

Looking for an older guide? See all the Explorer's Club guides here.

What's in this month's Explorer's Club?

This month, we're heading into the heart of Europe to explore one of the wine world's most exciting — and underrated — destinations: Austria.

Known for its pristine vineyards, alpine freshness, and generations of wine making tradition, Austria offers a treasure trove of characterful, food-friendly wines just waiting to be discovered.

 

From the crisp, peppery charm of Grüner Veltliner to silky reds, and hidden local gems, this case is a deep dive into the variety and vibrancy of Austrian wine. Whether you're already a fan or just getting acquainted, we've handpicked bottles that showcase the best of what this small but mighty wine country has to offer.

 

So, pour a glass, take in the mountain air (figuratively, at least), and join us as we explore Austria — one delicious bottle at a time.

Prost! 🍷

 

And don’t forget, our team are always happy to answer any questions you have on these wines (and about wine in general!), but also we’ve provided plenty of information below, so pull the cork and let’s explore!

 

 

 

 

Langmann Schilcher Frizzante — Styria, Austria

From the rolling hills of western Styria comes a sparkling rosé that’s as lively and distinctive as the region itself. Made from the rare Blauer Wildbacher grape, Langmann’s Schilcher Frizzante is a crisp, dry fizz with serious character — and a wonderfully wild streak.

Grown in the cooler climate of Austria’s green, mountainous south, this vibrant pink Frizzante is all about freshness and finesse. The nose bursts with bright aromas of wild strawberry, tart cherry, and redcurrant, with a whisper of white pepper and herbs in the background. A gentle sparkle brings it all to life in the glass.

On the palate, it’s dry, zippy, and full of tangy red fruit, with brisk acidity and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish that makes it the ultimate aperitif wine. Light, expressive, and just a little bit quirky, it’s exactly the kind of bottle that turns a simple afternoon into something special.

Lively, crisp, and refreshingly different, this is a must-try for fans of dry rosé, unusual grapes, and anything a little off the beaten track.

 

 

 

Hanna Glatzer Welschriesling — Carnuntum, Austria

This crisp and characterful white from Carnuntum, in eastern Austria, is a brilliant showcase of Welschriesling — a grape that's often overlooked but absolutely worth discovering. Made by the talented Hanna Glatzer, this is a wine that’s all about freshness, charm, and a little bit of flair.

Grown on sun-drenched slopes near the Danube River, the grapes benefit from warm days and cool nights — ideal conditions for vibrant acidity and pure fruit expression. On the nose, expect bright citrus, green apple, white flowers, and just a hint of something herbal and mineral in the background.

The palate is light, zesty, and wonderfully refreshing, with flavours of lemon peel, crisp pear, and a touch of saline minerality. There’s no oak here — just clean, elegant fruit with a mouthwatering finish that keeps things lively and lifted.

Bright, easy going, and deliciously dry, this is the kind of white that’s perfect with fresh salads, light fish dishes, or simply sipping in the sunshine.

 

 

Walter Glatzer ‘Dornenvogel’ Grüner Veltliner — Carnuntum, Austria

Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s flagship white grape, and in the hands of Walter Glatzer, it’s given a beautifully pure and expressive voice. The ‘Dornenvogel’ (meaning thorn bird) is a standout example — vibrant, textured, and packed with personality.

Sourced from vineyards in Carnuntum, a region known for its sunlit days and cool breezes off the Danube, this Grüner is fresh but far from simple. On the nose, it’s full of citrus zest, ripe pear, and a distinctive white pepper note — classic Grüner — alongside subtle hints of green herbs and crushed stone.

The palate is dry and elegant, with a lovely balance of juicy fruit and lively acidity. Flavours of lime, apple, and a pinch of spice carry through to a clean, crisp finish with just a whisper of minerality. There’s great texture here too — enough weight to pair beautifully with food, but still nimble and refreshing.

Zesty, peppery, and full of Austrian charm, this is Grüner at its best: versatile, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

 

 

 

Langmann Schilcher Klassik — Styria, Austria

If you’ve never heard of Schilcher before, you’re in for a treat. This unique rosé style is made exclusively from the Blauer Wildbacher grape — a rare, ancient variety grown almost entirely in Styria, southern Austria. It’s known for its electric acidity, vibrant colour, and punchy personality — and Langmann are true specialists of the style.

The Schilcher Klassik is the purest expression of this regional gem: dry, crisp, and seriously refreshing. In the glass, it shows off a pale ruby-pink hue and opens with aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, rosehip, and a touch of white pepper. There’s a bright herbal edge and a hint of citrus zest that keeps things lively.

On the palate, it’s zippy and lean, with mouthwatering acidity, tart red berry flavours, and a clean, bone-dry finish. It’s not your typical soft, fruity rosé — Schilcher has more edge, more crunch, and a distinct, almost alpine energy.

Lively, local, and unlike anything else, this is a must-try for adventurous rosé lovers and fans of food-friendly, high-acid wines.

 

 

  

Hanna Glatzer Pinot Noir — Carnuntum, Austria

Austria might not be the first place that comes to mind for Pinot Noir, but this elegant bottling from Hanna Glatzer is here to change that. Grown in Carnuntum, where the warm Pannonian climate meets cool evening breezes from the Alps, this Pinot strikes a beautiful balance between ripeness and finesse.

In the glass, it shows a classic pale ruby colour and opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and soft rose petal, layered with subtle earthy notes and a touch of spice. It's gentle on the nose but quietly expressive.

The palate is smooth and supple, with silky tannins, bright acidity, and a delicate core of red fruit flavours — think wild strawberry, cranberry, and a whisper of clove. There’s a lovely freshness to it all, making it both food-friendly and highly drinkable.

Light, elegant, and beautifully poised, this is a Pinot Noir that shows just how refined Austrian reds can be

 

Walter Glatzer Zweigelt — Carnuntum, Austria

If there’s one red grape that truly captures the heart of Austrian wine, it’s Zweigelt — and this bottling from Walter Glatzer is a textbook example of why it’s so beloved. Juicy, smooth, and effortlessly drinkable, this is a red that delivers flavour without the heaviness.

Sourced from sunny vineyards in Carnuntum, this Zweigelt pours a deep ruby and opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, and a touch of violet. There’s a gentle hint of black pepper and spice in the background, giving it just the right amount of savoury edge.

On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and soft, with smooth tannins and bright acidity that keeps things fresh. Flavours of juicy red fruit, plum, and subtle spice carry through to a clean, easy going finish.

Bright, bold, and brilliantly versatile, this is the kind of red you can enjoy with just about anything — from pizza night to roast duck, or simply a good chat over a bottle.