Description

The Achleiten vineyard is one of the most famous vineyards of the Wachau region. Justifiably so, as the wine-growers here unanimously agree. The wines that are produced here are just as impressive as the appearance of the vineyard, stretching up from the Danube all the way to the forest. Even if the Achleiten vineyard was never divided into sections, it is still to be considered as highly complex. The soils have different formation histories, including classic weathered soils formed from paragneiss as well as migmatite-amphibolite soils, which occur especially here. The last foothills of Gföhl gneiss, which dominate in the Dürnstein and Loiben areas, are also found in the upper part. The large elevation differences in the vineyard, which lies between 209 m and 357m above sea level, also contribute to the complexity of the terroir. The name part "Ach-" refers to a watercourse (Lat. aqua) while"-leiten" refers to the precipitous slope.

Soil Profile Achleiten - Migmatite Amphibolite

Like the Loibenberg and Kellerberg, the upper Achleiten is composed of Gföhl gneiss. In contrast, the lower Achleiten consists of base-rich migmatite-amphibolite, a stable adjoining rock with Gföhl gneiss. Migmatites are formed by the partial melting of rocks. In the southernmost corner near the railway, paragneiss is the third parent material in the area.
The profile shows a soil composed of migmatite-amphibolite. The sandy, stony soil indicates a very good supply of calcium and Magnesium. The gneiss character of the soil dominates underneath the topsoil, easily visible by the large feldspars in the profile. The amphibolite character predominates in the dark bottom area. The white coatings and fillings in cracks come from carbonates that were precipitated during the course of soil formation. The carbonate itself probably comes from the glacial loess cover."

Soil Profile Western Achleiten - Gföhler Gneiss

"The soils on the very steep western section of Achleiten are composed of slope debris material, consisting of fine sandy soil and coarse rock debris and blocks. Gföhl gneiss dominates in the more elevated sections, while in the lower areas migmatite-amphibolite is also found.
The profile shows a soil typical of middle elevations. The sandy topsoil exhibits slight humus accumulation to a depth of about 50 cm. The numerous visible pores ensure rapid water uptake and a good water storage capacity. The stones consist of Gföhl gneiss with a few dark amphibolites. Riesling and Veltliner thrive on this soil."