Austrian Sparkling Wine Day

Austrian wine is probably best known for the white grape, Gruner Veltliner, as well as its excellent Riesling, Sekt, but this region also has its fair share of tasty red varieties that you've likely never heard of: Saint Laurent, Blaufrankisch, and Zweigelt to name just a few. Sparkling wines (as opposed to still wines) are saturated with molecules of carbon dioxide gas, which makes them fizzy or bubbly. They're made all over the world using a variety of grapes and production methods.

With a tradition going back to the mid-19th century, Austria’s sparkling wine (called Sekt) is a classic aperitif and accompaniment to a great many dishes, from hors d’oeuvres to desserts. Perhaps most commonly used to toast at special occasions, Sekt is an absolute must on New Year’s Eve in Austria, and is often served as a welcome drink at dinners or parties.