Domäne Wachau

Domain Wachau - a region on a quality offensive

Steep vineyards along the Danube, a baroque castle in front of Dürnstein, fruity and authentic wines - the Domain Wachau offers everything and more on the terraces above the lush green cultural landscape. Across 420 hectares between Melk and Krems, a whole host of vintners 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 well-known association of numerous winemakers and grape growers stands for uncompromising quality in all respects. The philosophy that all members of the winemaker's association have held since its founding in 1714 focuses primarily 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 captures the best that the terroir has to offer and vinifies precise, clear wines with strong minerality that have brought international fame to this small region.

Pannonian climate - ancient soils

The Danube valley opens to the east 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 quilt - deep soils alternate with shallow ones that are exposed to the direct sun. Other patches, on the other hand, lie in the shade for almost the entire 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 top single vineyards on the imposing terraces above the Danube. Strictly limited and equipped with their own character, the wines carry not only the quality level and the coat of arms of the Domain Wachau but also illustrious names of the vineyards (lagen) on the label:

•  Achleiten
• Kellerberg
• Axpoint
• Kollmitz
• Kaiserberg

The heart of the Domain authentically brings out 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, whose yields would be too low for single vineyard 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 the highest care.

The quality brands of the Wachau

The three brands Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd guarantee assured origin, constant controls, and nature-friendly viticulture. Sought after worldwide and only available in small numbers, the wines of the Domain Wachau are ambassadors of good taste and Austrian wine. Therefore, nothing is left to chance regarding quality:

Steinfeder

The name Steinfeder derives from the steinfeder grass that grows almost everywhere between vines and stone terraces. Typical for the Steinfeder wines from the Domain is their vital lightness, exquisite fruit, and an alcohol content of up to 11.5 vol. %.

Federspiel

The dry Federspiel wines present themselves more full-bodied, with an alcohol content of up to 12.5 vol. %, drawing their name from falconry. A Federspiel dummy serves to lure and train birds by attaching a piece of bait to a long cord and swinging 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 indicates ideal ripeness of the grapes, which are only harvested very late, and natural concentration. The aging of a wine of the quality level Smaragd lasts up to 6 years. The often dry Smaragd wines from the Domain Wachau are world-class and therefore particularly valuable.

The cellars of the Domain Wachau

Massive stainless steel tanks and ornate wooden barrels line the expansive winery. Here, the high-quality wines are reduced and controlled during fermentation. They stay on the lees for a long time and undergo only a few interventions. For those who appreciate the extraordinary, the ancient cellar of the Domain Wachau offers something special - 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 miss out on intense, multi-layered, and unfiltered enjoyment will find the Riesling Amphora to be a good choice.

A visit to the Domain Wachau

Our visit to the renowned Domain Wachau has once again confirmed what we have always known. Wines from the Wachau, be it Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, or Zweigelt, impress with finesse and the local terroir. If you also have an outing in the Wachau planned, start with the wines of the Domain Wachau, which authentically bring the character of the vineyards above the Danube to your glass. Whether it's Federspiel from single vineyards, splendid cuvées from various terraces, or amphora-aged and natural wines – the Domain Wachau has everything a wine lover's heart desires.