Austrian Wine Tasting event: Who shouldn't I miss?

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Howdy,

I've really enjoyed the few Austrian wines I've had and Austria Uncorked (austriauncorked.com)
is happening next month in SF. 80 producers in 3 hours could be a bit of a challenge without y'all's help. I'm not that familiar with many of the details concerning Austrian producers and only recognise a few names on the list (Mantlehof, Rosenhof, Ott, Brundlmayer)

Anybody else planning on attending or have ideas as to which producers I must seek out?

I LOVE Riesling, Gruner Vetliner and most obscure white varietals, but am intrigued by the possibility of trying some reds as well. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
Angela

[Vino CC]

Definitely go for some of the sparklers and dessert wines - unlike others you've tried before I'm sure... definitely second the Kracher recommendation!

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Thanks for all the great advice.

Here's my definites:
Stadlmann (Doing the Zierfandler first)
Gebruder Szigetti (Bubbles!)

Anton Bauer
Brundlmayer
Christ
Johann Donabaum
Schloss Gobelsburg
Gernot und Heike Henrich
Hirsh
Malat
Mantlehof
Meinklang
Ludwig Neumayer
Anita & Hans Nittnaus
Hans & Christine Nittnaus
Bernard Ott
Pichler
Prager
Summerer
Umathum
Wieninger
Winzerkeller Neckenmarkt

Kracher
Rosenhof

Please let me know if I'm missing anyone important or if you have any ideas about what order I should do these in besides the first and last two.

[julesincoq]

Rolf Binder - for Shiraz..

[carswell]

Nein, mein Freund. Wir sind über Österreich reden, nicht Australien. ;)

[SteveTimko]

Bill Mayer, who brings in Ott, also brings in Stadlmann. Love his Mandel-Hoh zierfandler. I've found zierfandler doesn't play well with other wines so if it was me I'd try it first.

Brigette Braunstein is also on the list. I believe WineMonger is still bringing her wines in to the US. Braunstein makes nice reds, including Blaufrankisch.

Alois Kracher died in 2007. Who makes wines for that estate now?

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Thanks for the suggestion.

BTW, Bill Mayer is having a $5 Tasting (refundable with purchase) at the Alameda Wine Co. (Central near Park St, next to the movie theatre) on April 21st 5:30-7:30 pm
Not sure what he's bringing, but I'm sure it'll be good. See y'all there.

[53latour]

Alois Kracher is a must. His sweet wines are outstanding. I've also had very good wines from Knoll (Wachau), especially the Smaragds. Make a point to see Brundelmayer. Also have had interesting wines from Pockl (Neusiedlersee). Had a wonderful Pinot Noir TBA there.

[whiner]

Prager and Hirsch are musts... I didn't know about this, I'm gonna try to go...

[awinegoddess]

Try MEPHISTO (55% Blauer Zweigelt, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot) from WEINGUT CHRIST in Vienna. This wine is just incredible, one of the best Austrian reds I discovered last year! Also super yammi is the red grape "Blaufraenkisch" from Burgenland, here I recommend: Weingut Weninger, Umathum and Nittnaus. See you on the 3rd. PROST

[Trip Klaus]

I'm jealous.

Of course the great Wachau and Kamptal estates of Prager, Rudi Pichler, Brundlmayer and Schloss Gobelsberg are going to be in attendance and should not be missed. For up and coming Wachau I suggest Rainer Wess and Johann Donabaum.

For reds: Umathum and Gernot /Heike Heinrich

[BigWoodenSpoon]

Thanks for the awesome list! : )
I'll make sure to have one in your honor.

[mengathon]

Johann Donabaum is fantastic. He makes a federspiel level GV that has a good amount of residual sugar. Awesome.

Not sure if they'll be there, but Anita and Hans Nittnaus for red. Try the Commondor (Blaufrankisch, Merlot, Cabernet Franc? blend)