For the Gault Millau Austrian edition each of the top growers in Austria was rated. In a class by himself with a rating of 18 out of 20 is Gerhard Markowitsch. Sixteen other growers were placed in the second category of 17 out of 20. For red wines, Markowitsch is in a class by himself amongst Austrian producers. His vineyards, in Carnuntum are ideally situated on a slope approximately equi-distant from the Danube River on one side and the Neusiedlersee on the other. He is equally famous for his rare cuvees of Pinot Noir, Rosenberg blend, and his ultimate Cuvee, labeled simply M as he is for his value cuvees, Rubin Carnuntum and Carnuntum Cuvee. The latter two are built around the varietal Zweigelt which is the workhorse and the best red wine varietal of Austria depending on soil, climate and yields. Rubin Carnuntum is 100% Zweigelt all barrique aged; Carnuntum Cuvee is 90% Zweigelt and 10% Pinot Noir and our cuvee of 2003 is bottled unfiltered. Gerhard Markowitsch also makes some delightful Grüner Veltliner, the value Schanzacker, and a very fine Alte Rebin (old vines) Grüner from his best parcel. One of the greatest but not yet well known producers in Austria, and we hope to change that.
