Niederösterreich

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The steep crystalline-basement (primary-rock) sites of the Wachau transition, in the eastern part of the neighbouring Kremstal, into loess terraces that are also found in the Traisental, Kamptal, and along the Wagram.
• In the Kamptal, volcanic soils occur alongside the loess terraces.
• The weather is influenced by the hot Pannonian climate from the east and by cool air currents from the Waldviertel.

• The estates in the Niederösterreich wine region are family-run, process grapes predominantly from their own production, and sell largely direct from the cellar door, supplemented by a small number of large wineries and growers' cooperatives.

• The white wines range from fresh, fruity styles such as the characteristically peppery Grüner Veltliner to powerful, full-bodied wines aged in traditional large oak casks or barriques.
• Among the red wines, the fruity Zweigelt and the spicy Blaufränkisch predominate, while white wines account for almost 80 percent of the wine region's production.

• The weathered primary-rock soils and volcanic soils yield mineral, spicy wines, while the loess deposits on the terraces tend to shape a rounder, fuller style.
• The hot Pannonian climate and the cool air from the Waldviertel ensure cool nights and a marked diurnal temperature range, which lends the wines a pronounced acidity structure.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Austria

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-AT-A0221
• Official trade body site — Wein Niederösterreich