The Wachau
There are not many landscapes in Europe, the limits of which are as precisely defined as that of the Wachau. The 33 -kilometer river route between Melk and Krems is a shape. Green Veltliner and Riesling in particular are grown on the ancient terraces on almost 1,400 hectares, which have gained world recess due to their uniqueness. The operating structure of the wine -growing companies is small to medium, which means that the labor -intensive management of the terraces is only possible.
Diverse contrasts in a confined space created a unique wine -growing region of rare beauty, which differs from all other rebulture areas in Europe in its soil formations and its subtle microclimate.
The Pannonian climate produces an extraordinary climate Jord in the Danube Valley. The effects of the continental weather of the Waldviertel and the Pannonian foothills of the Tullnerfeld lead to a small climate in Wachau, which enables incredibly fruity-fresh green Veltliner and Rieslings.
The variety of floors and climate conditions of the individual rieden produces a wide variety of wines, but this only thrive in taste and character. In addition to green Veltliner and Riesling, Muskatellers, Pinot Blanc, Feinburgunder, Neuburger and Müller Thurgau are other white wine varieties that mature in the Wachau. The red wine content is limited at 10 %. Here are Zweigelt and St. Laurent.
j u8Vinea Wachau
Founded in 1983, the Vinea Wachau created three wine categories to classify the Wachau wines. Taking into account the climatic and geological conditions of Wachau, the “stone feather” was introduced in 1984. In 1986 the categories “Federspiel” and “emerald” followed. These are exclusively natural wines. The names are protected under trademark law and may only be conducted by members of the Vinea Wachau.
In addition to the legal requirements, Vinea Wachau controls the expansion of the wines and their quality through analysis, quantity examination and commission center tasting. Pattern bottles are stored by every wine that allow further controls at any time. Members of the Vinea Wachau are only allowed to lead wine from Wachau.
The trademark of Vinea Wachau is the circle with the coat of arms of Leuthold I von Kuhenring (1243 – 1212), which was the core area of Wachau its possession and called it “Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districuts”.
“Stone feather” is all wines up to a maximum of 11 vol.% Alcohol with a must weight of 15 ° to 17 ° Klosterneuburg Mostwaage. The feather -light grass, which grows in the vineyards and is under nature conservation, gave this fragrant light wines its name.
All wines up to a maximum of 12.5 vol.% Alcohol and a must weight from 17 ° KMW are referred to as the “spring game”. The name leads back to the old custom of recovering the pickling bird in the falcon hunting – a form that is common in the Wachau in earlier times.
The most valuable wines in the Wachau, with at least 12.5 vol.% Alcohol and a minimum -must weight of 18.5 ° KMW are called “emerald”. These wines have the highest physiological maturity and can only be obtained in the prime. The name comes from the emerald lizards, which feel particularly comfortable in the Wachau vineyard terraces.
