The credo of Vinea Wachau is to classify our quality wines in three categories: Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd. These wines are considered ambassadors of the Austrian white wine culture – and especially of the World Cultural Heritage Wachau. Not only are the three designations unique in Austria, but a similar example of them cannot be found in all of Europe. Most importantly, the designations serve as an orientation structure for wine lovers, because it allows for dry white wines to be defined according to three weight classes, each of which is based on natural alcohol content.
Smaragd is the name for the best, most treasured wines of the Wachau. The alcohol content of these wines begin at 12.5% by volume. This, along with the highest grape ripeness and natural concentration are what make this world-class designation possible. Emerald-coloured Idex lizards – also known as Smaragd - are at home in the terraced vineyards of the Wachau. On bright, sunny days, their beauty is highlighted dramatically as they bask in the gleaming sun next to the grapevines – the perfect symbol for the absolute top Wachau wines with full physiological ripeness.