photo: Annette "annaparrucchiera"
Austria has a long established history of beer and wine making – the latter having suffered a series of scandalous insults over time. But from this mayhem have developed legendary liquids like the Uhudler.
The Pain from Phylloxera
A sickly yellow sap-sucking species of of locus fly (phylloxera) fed on the roots and leaves of Austrian vines in the late 19th century- early 20th century. These callous creatures starved the fruits of essential nutrients and water, causing devastation to the crops and harming the wine production industry. So an alternative genus of grape had to be found to ease the pain from phylloxera.
Hybrid grapes were grown, which resurrected the wines of Austria and from this the Uhudler was born.
A Foxey Lady
Uhudler is made from a hybrid grape of North America, which produces a rose coloured wine described by connoisseurs as ‘foxy’. The grapes need no pest control or fertilisation, being able to grow vigorously and healthily on their own (a bit like me!). The ‘Vitis Labrusca’ grape of North America gives the Uhudler it’s distinctive strawberry taste.
But in the early 20th century a serious scandal erupted with intent to damage the reputation of North American wines. Wine regulators across Europe banned the use of native North American grapes , alleging they contained high levels of methanol ( the simplest alcohol – light, colourless, volatile and flammable – used in antifreeze) and therefore hazardous to health! (Some would also say a bit like me.)
Uhudler was ousted!
By 1970 Uhudler was only available in limited quantities in Austria, usually by home-brewing. And as one might reasonably have predicted, prohibition resulted in a rise in popularity (do these people never learn?). The damaging scandal of the 1980′s , where wine growers were found to have used anti-freeze in blended wines, furthered the demise of this Styrian classic.
But the good news!
Since the 1990′s, Uhudler has enjoyed a renaissance. It now ranks amongst the most respected of Austrian beverages.
So why not go sample this Styrian supremo? You could stay in a charming rustic style chalet.
Go for it this summer! – click here.