Weinviertel wine

Viticulture in the Weinviertel region has a long history dating back to Roman times. In the Middle Ages, the region became an important center of viticulture and has played a significant role in Austrian wine production ever since. Nowadays, the Weinviertel is known for its high-quality white wines, especially its Grüner Veltliner, which are considered some of the best in Austria. Weinviertel wines are very popular with local wine lovers, and the reputation of Austria's largest wine-growing region is also growing steadily at an international level.

In the transition to the Waldviertel, the vines thrive on the acidic granite of the Moravian, which breaks down over time into quartz-rich sand. To the east, there are two basins of loose rock, separated by the Leiser Berge mountain range and the striking cliffs of the Waschberg zone of light-colored, hard limestone. The central section of the Weinviertel also includes the Flysch in the southern area, which comprises calcareous sandstones and marls on the Bisamberg and mostly acidic, quartz-rich sandstones and clays on the eastern edge of the Korneuburg Basin.

To the west of the Waschberg zone extends the molasse with sands, gravels, clayey silts and the special feature of diatomite horizons on one side, and on the other side with the broad, gravelly ridge of the Ur-Danube.

The region east of the Waschberg zone belongs to the Vienna Basin and consists mainly of loose, mostly calcareous rocks such as gravels, sands and clayey silts. Solid limestones or calcareous sandstones only occur locally in both basins. Overall, the Weinviertel is an important wine region in Austria, known for its high-quality white wines. The history of viticulture in the region, the continental climate and the favorable soil conditions help the Weinviertel wines maintain their unique taste and quality.

In the Weinviertel, mainly white wines are grown, of which Grüner Veltliner is the most important grape variety. Other important grape varieties are Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Gelber Muskateller. There are also a limited number of red wines, such as Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch.

Wines from the Weinviertel are generally full-bodied and aromatic with a pleasant acidity. Grüner Veltliners are characterized by their typical aromas of green peppers, citrus fruits and meadow herbs. Herbert Zillinger's white wines, for example, are somewhat more yellow-fruity. Rieslings have a fine acidity and aromas of apple, citrus and peach. Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are more balanced and have aromas of pears, apples and nuts. Red wines from the Weinviertel generally have a medium body and aromas of berries and spices.

It covers around 14,000 hectares and offers an impressive variety of wines. Grüner Veltliner plays a key role here, particularly in its characteristic variants as DAC-Weinviertel and DAC Reserve or Große Reserve. The region is home to over 300 wineries and is an important economic factor in Lower Austria. The Weinviertel is also a popular tourist destination, with many wineries offering tours and tastings.