In Austria, a term defined by wine law (dialectally "G'spritzter" or Spritzer) for the mixture of at least 50% dry wine with a maximum of 50% soda or mineral water and at least 4.5% alcohol by volume. A "Sommer-Gespritzter" (not defined by wine law) contains significantly more than half soda or mineral water (usually one part wine and three parts water). Preferably, acidic grape varieties are used. White wine varieties such as Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Welschriesling and also a Gemischter Satz are popular, but also red wine varieties such as Zweigelt. About one fifth of Austrian wine production is consumed as fortified wine, especially in the hot season. Until 1999, ready-mixed or bottled fortified wine was prohibited by law in Austria, but after it was released, ready-mixed products in white and red versions have been on the market since the 2001 vintage.
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Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“