Wachau now a DAC region
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.
- Gebietswein. Wines belonging to this category, potentially made from any of the 17 typical regional grape varieties, reflect the Wachau’s rich selection. For this class, wineries can use grapes from anywhere in the Wachau region. Here wineries also enjoy more freedom concerning the style of wine, with new barrique casks permitted for maturing, to name one example.
- Ortswein. The grapes for this category are provided by a single town or village, and the wines are matured without any perceptible oak influence. The label bears the name of one of 22 specific registered communities. Only grape varieties that are highly typical for the Wachau may be associated with a town or village name:
Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Weißer Burgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Chardonnay, Neuburger, Muskateller, Sauvignon blanc or Traminer.
- Riedenwein. Wines with this label are made exclusively from Grüner Veltliner or Riesling grapes, the Wachau’s leading grape varieties. No perceptible oak influence or any method of enrichment is permitted. Any wine classified as Riedenwein contains grapes from only one Ried or vineyard. The label always displays the name of one of the 157 Rieden in total that have been defined in the Wachau.
Wachau: the most in hand-crafting
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.
More added value for the region
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.
