Enhanced transparency, clearer information and an unshaking commitment to origin – these are the key benefits of the Wachau’s new DAC classification.
Wachau wines will now be classified as regional wines (Gebietswein), local wines (Ortswein) and vineyard wines (Riedenwein). Each category must be from 100% hand-harvested grapes. Behind every bottle carrying the Wachau label stands handcrafting.
The Wachau label stands for 100% hand-harvested grapes. Every grape harvested in the Wachau winegrowing region must be picked by hand – even if a harvesting machine could have been used. The higher the class within the DAC pyramid, the more exacting the additional standards that apply.
Any label displaying Wachau DAC also signifies a wine from grapes required to have been both grown and processed in the Wachau winegrowing region. This allows consumers to clearly identify the wine’s origin. The wine generates added value directly for the region. The only exception here is processing of the grapes, which is permitted in the neighbouring Kremstal and Traisental winegrowing regions under tightly controlled conditions.