Domäne Wachau

Domain Wachau - a region on a quality offensive

Steep vineyards along the Danube, a Baroque palace in front of Dürnstein, fruit-driven and authentic wines - the Domain Wachau offers everything and more on the terraces above the lush green cultural landscape. On 420 hectares between Melk and Krems, a whole group of winemakers is present on the steep slopes - with one goal: to bring the best hand-picked grapes to the winery of the Domain Wachau and to sharpen the wine profile of an entire wine region.

The renowned association of numerous vintners and grape growers, known beyond the borders of Austria, stands for uncompromising quality in all respects. The philosophy that all members of the winemaker association have held since its founding year 1714 primarily focuses on the authentic character of the wines. Finesse instead of opulence, single vineyard wines instead of mass wines, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and apricot instead of rapeseed, wheat, and corn. The Domain Wachau draws the best from what the terroir has to offer and vinifies precise, clear wines with strong minerality, which has led the small region to world fame.

Pannonian Climate - ancient soils

The Danube Valley opens eastward and is thus well-reached by the Pannonian climate. Due to the warm influence, grapes can ripen ideally and develop a high sugar content, which ultimately results in wines with strong alcohol content of up to 14% vol. However, the acidity remains thanks to the fresh winds that blow through the side valleys of the Waldviertel.

The soils of the Wachau resemble a patchwork - deep soils alternate with shallow ones that are directly exposed to the sun. Other patches, on the other hand, are almost entirely shaded throughout the day. Primary rock soils with gneiss and granite as well as loess soils and sand shape the steep vineyards, whose terraces offer about 1500 hectares for viticulture.

Single vineyards with individual character

The top wines of the Domain Wachau come from the prime single vineyards on the imposing terraces above the Danube. Strictly limited and equipped with a unique character, the wines bear, alongside the quality level and the coat of arms of the Domain Wachau, illustrious names of the vineyards (lagen) on the label:

•  Achleiten
• Kellerberg
• Axpoint
• Kollmitz
• Kaiserberg

The heartpieces of the Domain authentically encapsulate the character of the Wachau. The terrace wines, on the other hand, create a harmony from various vineyards. They come from the smallest vine areas on primary rock, the yields of which would be too small for single production. Terrace cuvées from the Domain Wachau are vinified in the Vinea Wachau quality levels “Steinfeder”, “Federspiel”, and “Smaragd”, behind which hide strict guidelines and utmost care.

The Quality Brands of Wachau

The three brands Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd guarantee secured origin, constant controls, and nature-friendly viticulture. Worldly sought after and available in limited numbers, the wines of the Domain Wachau are ambassadors of good taste and Austrian wine. Therefore, nothing about quality is left to chance:

Steinfeder

The name Steinfeder derives from the Steinfeder grass, which protrudes almost everywhere between vines and stone terraces. Characteristic of the Steinfeder wines from the Domain are their vital lightness, exquisite fruit, and an alcohol content of up to 11.5% vol.

Federspiel

The dry Federspiel wines present themselves with a full-bodied character and an alcohol content of up to 12.5% vol., deriving their names from falconry. A Federspiel decoy is used to call in and train the birds by attaching a piece of bait to a long string and whipping it through the air. Wine lovers do not need to be lured with a Federspiel; they come on their own.

Smaragd

What sounds like a gemstone actually refers to the emerald lizard, which makes itself comfortable on the sun-warmed stones of the terraces. Only the best wines with an alcohol content of over 12.5% vol. receive the quality seal Smaragd. This reflects ideal ripeness of the grapes, which are harvested very late, and natural concentration. The aging of a wine of the Smaragd quality level takes up to 6 years. The often dry Smaragd wines from the Domain Wachau are world-class and thus especially valuable.

The Cellars of the Domain Wachau

Huge stainless steel tanks and decorated wooden barrels line the expansive winery. Here, the high-quality wines are reductively and controlled elaborated. They are left on the lees for a long time and undergo few interventions. For those who appreciate something special, the ancient cellar of the Domain Wachau has something ready - albeit in limited quantities. Clay amphorae, concrete eggs, granite barrels, and an obelisk made of marble for wine aging. Wines from these containers are rare and therefore highly sought after by wine enthusiasts. However, those who do not want to forgo intense, complex, and unfiltered enjoyment will make a good choice with the Riesling Amphora.

A visit to the Domain Wachau

Our visit to the renowned Domain Wachau has once again confirmed what we have always known. Wines from Wachau, whether Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, or even Zweigelt, impress with finesse and the local terroir. If you also have a trip to Wachau on the agenda, why not start with the wines of the Domain Wachau, which bring you the character of the vineyards above the Danube authentically in the glass. Whether Federspiel from single vineyards, wonderful cuvées from various terraces, or amphora-aged and natural wines - the Domain Wachau has everything that a wine lover’s heart desires.