Compline pours Austrian wines

Matt Stamp presents a chronological tasting of modern Austrian masters at Compline Wine Shop on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Centuries ago, the sweet wines of Austria — which arguably included Tokaj — were among the world’s greatest wines. But not many remember Ruster Ausbruch or Gumpoldskirchen now.  The modern success of Austrian wine also started with sweet wines in the late 1980s, when Alois Kracher achieved international recognition for his botrytized sweet wines.  The dry white wines of the Wachau, made from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes, represented the next wave of Austrian wine to gain critical and commercial acclaim.  Finally, the red wines of Austria caught up. The warm climate of Burgenland and the Blaufränkisch grape took center stage. Join a seated, guided flight focusing on modern Austrian legends. They’ll pour eight wines in chronological order and help you to explore the names and wines that returned Austrian wine to the world stage.  The cost is $100 at complinewine.com. Compline Restaurant, 1300 First St., Ste. 312, Napa