March was one of the busiest tasting months I had recently, and it quickly became clear that the best Austrian wines in March came mainly from Weinviertel and Burgenland. Across several tastings, these two regions stood out again and again, both for quality and for clear identity. Five tastings in less than four weeks.
It started with the Weinviertel DAC tasting on the 2nd of March, followed by the Villa Gyetvai portfolio presentation the next day. Then came Auf ein Glas Burgenland in the Hofburg on the 9th, Wiener Grätzlweinfeste on the 21st, and finally the Kékfrankos Bormustra on the 27th.
Because of this, I tasted a lot of wines in a short time. However, instead of listing everything, I focused only on the bottles that stayed with me. These are, for me, the best Austrian wines in March—wines I would go back to without hesitation.
Stadler – Sekt Austria Reserve Gewürztraminer Brut 2020
Technical / production notes:
- 100% Gewürztraminer
- Traditional method
- Sekt Austria Reserve
- Residual sugar: 9 g/l
Tasting note:
Very aromatic and immediately expressive. Lychee, white peach and yellow pear dominate, with a soft creamy layer behind. It is clearly driven by the variety from the first moment. On the palate, the fruit continues strongly, but it is not one-dimensional. There is a slightly bitter almond note in the finish that gives contrast and structure. The bubbles are very fine, which adds to the overall balance and makes the texture feel smooth and precise.
The wine does not show strong autolytic notes like brioche or toast. However, it does not need them. The aromatic intensity of Gewürztraminer carries the wine fully, and the balance is very well managed.
Why this wine is interesting:
This was my first time tasting a serious Gewürztraminer Sekt like this. And one of the more unusual wines I tasted this month. Gewürztraminer in a serious sparkling style is still quite rare. Here it works because the focus is not on classic Champagne-like complexity, but on pure aromatic expression. A bit different, but very well executed. Definitely one of the wines in March for originality and character.
Sutter – Grüner Veltliner Reserve Kellerberg 2024
Technical / production notes:
- 100% Grüner Veltliner
- From Kellerberg
- Aged in large oak barrels (no strong oak flavour)
Tasting note:
Very open and expressive. Super ripe pear, golden apple, acacia and a touch of honeysuckle come through immediately. At the same time, there is a soft floral lift that keeps it from feeling heavy. On the palate, the wine is clearly fruit-forward, but not simple. The large oak barrels add texture and a broader mouthfeel without giving strong woody flavours. You notice a slight toasty spice, but it stays in the background. The body is medium-plus, with well-integrated acidity that keeps everything fresh. The finish is long, slightly spicier, and very clean, with the fruit slowly fading.
Why this wine is interesting:
This is a clear step beyond a basic Weinviertel DAC. The oak is used for structure, not flavour, which I personally always appreciate. As a result, you get both: varietal clarity and more depth. One of the best Austrian wines in March in terms of balance between richness and freshness.
Weingut Norbert Bauer – Mischsatz 2025
Technical / production notes:
- Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Roter Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling
- 12% alcohol
What is a Mischsatz:
A Mischsatz is a traditional field blend where different grape varieties are planted together, harvested together, and fermented together. It reflects the vineyard as a whole rather than a single variety.
Tasting note:
Very fresh and aromatic. Pear, apple and grape dominate, with a light tropical note of pineapple and a hint of sweet spice. On the palate it continues in the same direction. Light body, very fresh, and driven by aromatics. The fruit is juicy and open, with no heaviness. Moreover, the finish is clean and refreshing, with a surprisingly long aftertaste for such a light wine.
Why this wine is interesting:
This is one of those wines that works immediately. No need to analyse too much. At the same time, it shows very well what a Mischsatz can be: expressive, layered, but still easy to drink. A strong example among the best Austrian wines for everyday drinking.
Löffler Winklhofer – Weißburgunder 2023
Technical / production notes:
- 100% Weißburgunder
- Csaterberg & Hannersberg
- Spontaneous fermentation
- 18 months on fine lees in used barrique
- 13% alcohol
Tasting note:
More layered and complex. Acacia, white blossom and citrus come first, followed by butter, cream and a subtle brioche note. On the palate, the wine is creamy and juicy at the same time. The acidity is round, supporting a medium-plus body. The flavours follow the nose: white fruit, citrus, and light creamy notes. In addition, the finish is long, slightly savoury, and very well integrated.
Why this wine is interesting:
This was my first time tasting this wine, and it stayed with me. The 18 months on lees are clearly noticeable, yet the wine does not become heavy. Instead, it keeps a very nice balance between freshness and complexity. It is already very good now, but it also has clear ageing potential. A wine that works now, but could easily age further.
Esterházy – Pinot Noir Großhöflein 2022
Technical / production notes:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Großhöflein, Burgenland
- Clay and limestone soils
- Old vines (up to 47 years)
- Spontaneous fermentation
- 16 months in used oak barrels
- Additional bottle ageing
Tasting note:
Aromatic and structured. Ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry dominate, with a hint of vanilla and sweet spices. On the palate, it is more structured than expected. The tannins are clearly present, giving grip and direction. The fruit remains juicy, which keeps the balance. The finish is long, slightly spicy, and lingers well.
Why this wine is interesting:
This wine surprised me. I did not expect this level of tannin from a Pinot Noir of this age. Because of that, it feels built for ageing rather than just early drinking. It stands out as one of the best Austrian wines in March for its structure and ageing potential.
Conclusion
Looking back, the best Austrian wines in March were not necessarily the most powerful or the most complex. Instead, they were the wines that stayed balanced, clear, and true to their style.
Weinviertel showed its strength in freshness, drinkability and varietal character. Meanwhile, Burgenland delivered more depth, structure and ageing potential.
Overall, what connects all these wines is precision. Nothing feels overdone. Nothing feels forced. And that is exactly why they remain memorable even after tasting so many wines in a short time.
The Author
