Wachau

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The wine-growing area is characterised by steep terraced vineyards on the banks of the Danube, whose heat-retaining walls and rocks contribute to the formation of microclimate zones.
• Atlantic and Pannonian climates converge: the Atlantic influence brings above-average rainfall, while the Pannonian brings high daytime temperatures and cool nights.
• Cool katabatic winds from the northern Waldviertel create particularly large diurnal temperature swings in the months leading up to harvest.
• The soils consist partly of weathered primary rock (Urgestein) and partly of post-glacial loess deposits that formed on the eastern faces of the primary-rock slopes from wind-borne sand.
• The large surface area of the Danube moderates both high daytime temperatures and harsh winters.

• As far back as the Middle Ages, stone terraces were constructed in the Wachau to make it possible to farm the steep sites along the Danube.

• Riesling from weathered primary-rock soils develops citrus-fruit aromas such as lemon and grapefruit, while Grüner Veltliner from loess soils shows powerful, full-bodied pome-fruit notes of apple and pear.
• The strongly fluctuating day-to-night temperatures give white wines a high level of acidity, while in red wines they shape fruit-forward styles with a light tannic structure.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-AT-A0205
• Official trade body site — Vinea Wachau