As the days get shorter and the temperatures become more pleasant, it’s not just the leaves that start to change color. The wine also sends out its first harbingers. Not only are there numerous street festivals in the capital, there are also a number of wine festivals to celebrate in Vienna. And there, as there, storms are the order of the day. Enjoyment is easier if a few, perhaps not entirely serious, rules are followed.
What is “Sturm”?
But first we need to clarify what the drink with the evocative name is actually all about: The seasonal product Sturm is a precursor to wine. The yeast is still working and the constantly forming carbon dioxide stirs up yeast cells during the fermentation process, resulting in the typical cloudy overall appearance. And since fermentation is an ongoing process, the taste is also changeable. Sweet and drinkable one day and then strong and dry the next, right through to a dry as the so called “Gstaubter” (which translates to “dusted one”) at the end of its days. However, it always has the pleasant tingling sensation caused by the carbon dioxide. Early-ripening varieties are used for the production of Sturm. These include Sylvaner, Blauburger and Frühroter Veltliner.
Sturm Drinking Rules
The drink, which is made exclusively from Austrian grapes, is regulated by law. The label must include an indication of origin and may only be marketed between August 1 and December 31 of the harvest year. However, these are not the only principles that need to be observed when drinking Sturm. It is traditionally served in a glass which you have to hold with your left hand and instead of the usual “Prost”, it is called “Mahlzeit” (“enjoy your meal”) or “Krixikraxi”. The latter one being a nonsense word. Incidentally, it is only when the young wine is baptized that its hold with your right hand and the term “Prost” is used .
As tempting and quaffable as it may taste, noobies in particular are strongly advised to drink it with caution. For one thing, Sturm naturally contains alcohol. And to a degree that is sometimes difficult to estimate. On average, it is 4% by volume, but as we know, it continues to ferment in the bottle and can therefore be significantly stronger. On the other hand, yeast and lactic acid bacteria have a digestive effect, which is extremely effective. So if you particularly like Sturm, you should look for the nearest toilet to be on the safe side.
Where can I buy Sturm?
In addition to wine taverns, wine festivals in Vienna are the ideal place to taste Sturm from a wide variety of winemakers. In addition to the classic red and white Sturm, there are also other regional specialties. For example, Uhudlersturm from southern Burgenland or Schilchersturm from Styria. The raspberry storm, which is also available in some places, is always a highlight. If you can’t attend the festivities locally, you can also find it in the supermarket. When storing, it is essential to keep the bottle upright and not to close it too tightly, as the CO2 needs space to escape.
Wine festivals in Vienna: these are our favorites
“Stürmische Tage” in Stammersdorf
Every year, autumn is welcomed in style in a part of Vienna’s 21st district and summer is bid farewell. The eponymous “Sturm”, chestnuts, Heurigen fare and live music make it easier to bid farewell to the warm season. This year, visitors can enjoy an authentic winemaker atmosphere in the romantic setting of the Kellergasse from Saturday, October 5 at 2 pm until Sunday, October 6 at 11 pm.
Vienna Wine Hikes
By now a cherished tradition. And one that emphasizes Vienna’s exceptional position as an urban wine-growing region. The 600 hectares of vineyards, which are cultivated by around 170 wineries, are unique for a large city. And these wineries can be explored and discovered on September 28 and 29 on a total of four routes between 10 am and 6 pm. Whether hikers opt for the classic route from Neustift to Nussdorf (Route 1), Route 2 from Strebersdorf to Stammersdorf, Route 3 in Ottakring or Route 4 through Mauer is a matter of taste and fitness.
Hiataeinzug in Perchtoldsdorf
Austria’s most famous harvest festival traditionally takes place in Perchtoldsdorf every first Sunday after Leonhardi Day on November 6th. The event is known as the Hütereinzug. Until the 1970s, the wine guardians were responsible for protecting the harvest from animal and human thieves during the ripening period of the wine. This year, the young vintage can be tasted in this festive and spectacular setting on November 10 from 10 am to 12 noon.
Cover Image: © Oleg Demakov via Unsplash
