Looking for Austrian Wine? Monika Caha is a Name You Should Know

One of my secrets in finding good wine is knowing the importer or person selecting the wines. When it comes to South African wine I know I can always count on a wine that is imported by Cape Classics. I have also come to trust names like Eric Solomon for French, T. Edwards for many countries, Banville & Jones for Italian, to name a few.

When it comes to selection of Austrian wines there is no greater name to look for than Monika Caha.

We are very excited about Austrian Wine again this year. Her wines of the Monika Caha Selections are all exceptional. They are imported and distributed by Frederick Wildman & Sons.

We have always loved the great juice that comes from Austria, but this year there are even more great bottles to taste thanks to oustanding efforts to bring more Austrian Winemakers to us here in America.

This years "Austria Uncorked" event in New York and LA was completely sold out attended by over 1,700 people.

I had the great pleasure to meet Monika and enjoy an Austrian tradition called a Heurigerthat she hosted in NY. At the event we tasted a whole crop of new Austrian wines that are being imported and distributed in NY and NJ by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd.

In Austria for a traditional heuriger local people are invited into the winemaker's home or vineyard and served fresh wine of the current vintage often outdoors. Local food including selections of pork, fresh breads, spreads and salads are served, usually from a buffet. Over the years local restaurants in Austria begun serving this way. It is a grand way to enjoy the food and wine of Austria and a great excuse for a lawn party.

One producer, relative new the US, that I really enjoyed at this event was Anita & Hans Nittnaus. Their family has been in the fertile wine region of Neusiedlersee in Burgenland since 1684.

The estate was founded by Hans’ grandfather Johann Nittnaus in 1927. Anita & Hans took  over in 1985. Since then they have become know as one of the best wine producers of Austria.

I loved their Zweigelt 2008, a blend of Blauer and Zweigelt. It has beautiful "Ruby red, very fruity, cherry aroma, a little bit spicy; average weight, Fruity also in the finish, Universal drinkability, especially beef, venison, lamb and mushroom dishes" MC Selections

And the truly awe insipiring 2004 Comondor of 50% Merlot, 40 % Zweigelt, 10 % Blaufränkisch. It has a very "dark red, complex nose, spicy and complex, well defined with good structure, powerful with  good harmony and balance, long finish , enormous ageing potential." MC Selections

Last but not least I fell completely in love with their white, 2009 Heideboden White (Pinot Blanc) which delivers in abundance "fine complex fruit, floral tastings, full at the palate, sinewy, full of life, long finish."

Check back soon for more on the 2010 Austrian wines