Retz Wine Region

The Retz wine region is a lovely place in Lower Austria's district Hollabrunn, in the Weinviertel region. Retz has enormous underground cellars beneath the town that span 21 kilometers and reach depths of up to 30 meters. Underground cellars are typically found in the Loess, where optimal temperatures range from 8 to 10 degrees Celsius and high humidity levels. Approximately 70% of the wines produced in the region are white. One of the wine testing facilities established by the State testing number is also in Retz, controlling the quality of wines using analytics and sensory. Retz has been a commerce center for generations, primarily dealing with wines.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Retz!

Where is the Retz wine region?

The Retz wine area is located in northeast Austria, northwest of the Weinvietel region. This picturesque valley, located adjacent to the Czech Republic, is known for its wine for generations and is only 10 kilometers from Znojmo, a Czech town. The Retz is just 85 kilometers southwest of Brno, 80 kilometers northwest of Vienna, 157 kilometers northwest of Bratislava, and 218 kilometers northwest of Prague, Czechia. The Retzer Erlebniskeller, Central Europe's largest wine cellar, is located in the Retz and offers a one-of-a-kind tour.

History of the Retz wine region

Since the medieval periods, Retz has been a commerce center in northern Austria, primarily dealing with wines. This distinct territory was first referenced in 1155. There is evidence that Walther von der Vogelweide, the legendary minnesinger, drank Retz wines in the Zehenthofkeller. In 1300, Count Berthold von Rabenswalde constructed the town of Retz. The town grew into an important wine-trading town in Austria, complete with a protected wine-growing area. In the mid-seventeenth century, the Swedes, a north Germanic ethnic group, moved into Retz following the Thirty Years' War.

The terroir and geography of the Retz wine region

The Retz has a pleasant climate, with mild summers and extremely cold winters. The temperature ranges from 25 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The land is largely loess and stony, which helps the wines acquire minerality. Clay soil with calcareous deposits is also found in some areas of the region. Retz's noteworthy vineyards include Altenberg, Klafel, Satzen, and Züngel.

Popular grape varieties from the Retz wine region

Grüner Veltliner is the most popular grape in the Retz wine region. Other significant grape varieties in the region are Welschriesling, Weißburgunder, Blauer, Portugieser, Zweigelt, and Riesling. Around 70% of the vineyards are covered with white grape varietals. 

Food to pair with Retz wine 

Phở cuốn

Ph cun, also known as Pho Rolls, is a classic Vietnamese delicacy that is wrapped in an uncut sheet of Pho noodles and filled with stir-fried beef, garlic, ginger, pepper, onions, lettuce, and herbs. The roll is popular in the summer and is usually served with a side of a dip comprised of fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili, and vinegar. This tasty meal is usually served as a snack or appetizer. The Ph cun is claimed to have originated from a Hanoi street vendor who ran out of broth for Pho and replaced it with stir-fried beef.

Phở xào

Rather than being cooked, Ph xào is a stir-fried variant of the classic Pho created with typical Vietnamese ingredients. Unlike conventional pho, this dish is devoid of broth. The dish is typically made with beef, although it can also be made with chicken. In this recipe, all of the ingredients are stir-fried and seasoned with condiments like oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce. This traditional Vietnamese dish pairs surprisingly nicely with wines from the Kremstal region.

Florette

Florette is a French goat cheese from the Rhone area. This beautiful French cheese with bloomy rindy characteristics made from goat's milk is produced by the Guilloteau creamery. Florette is hexagonal in shape and available in a variety of sizes. This pungent, acidic cheese complements crusty bread, mushrooms, potatoes, and dried fruits. White wines from the Vulkanland Steiermark region go well with it.

Places to visit in the Retz wine region

Retzer windmill

The windmill, which can be seen from a distance just above town, has long been associated with the town. The windmill is one of Austria's remaining working wind-powered flour mills. It is situated on a hill just outside of a village, with a stunning view of the surrounding vineyards. The windmill stands out against the predominantly white and brown environment. The mill is open all summer but can be visited by appointment in the winter. The historic windmill, which was recently repaired by Dutch mill farmers, is still working. There are many movies that have been captured here. A visit to the mill is worthwhile at any time of year.

Retzer Erlebniskeller

Retzer Erlebniskeller is Central Austria's largest underground wine cellar. This medieval wine cellar is three levels deep in the sand and is filled with legends, myths, and adventures. The tunnel is 20 kilometers long and substantially more developed than the surface road network. A properly qualified cellar guide leads the tour of this spectacular wine cellar. It takes around an hour and a half. A visit to Retzer Erlebniskeller is a must for wine enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions about Retz