Wachau

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The Wachau wine-growing region is characterised by steep terraced vineyards on the banks of the Danube, which were already established during the Middle Ages to facilitate the cultivation of the steep slopes.
• In the Wachau, the westerly Atlantic climate, with above-average rainfall, meets the easterly Pannonian climate, with high daytime temperatures and cool nights.
• Cool downslope winds from the northern Waldviertel create particularly large diurnal temperature swings in the months leading up to harvest.
• The broad expanse of the Danube moderates both the high daytime temperatures and the harsh winters of the Wachau.
• The soils of the Wachau consist on the one hand of weathered primary rock, while during the post-glacial period windblown sand was deposited in the lee of the hills and loess layers frequently formed on the eastern faces of the primary rock slopes.

• The dry-stone terraces on the steep Danube slopes that define the landscape of the Wachau were already constructed during the Middle Ages to facilitate their cultivation.

• The white wines display high acidity, while the red wines show fruit-forward, low-tannin styles.

• The weathered primary rock soils of the terraced sites give Rheinriesling its citrus-fruit aromas of lemon and grapefruit, while the loess soils provide the foundation for the pome-fruit character of Grüner Veltliner.

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-A0205
• Official trade body site — Vinea Wachau