Wachau Wine Region

Wachau is a small important wine region in Northern Austria. One of Austria's most well-known and respected wine regions, Wachau is known for its full-bodied, peppery Grüner Veltliner and rich, steely Riesling. The Wachau wine region is noted for it's many grape varietals and perfect climate. Most importantly the focus on their wine-makers who put in a lot of careful attention. These elements complement each other to create a style of wine that is impossible to find anywhere else in Austria.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Wachau Wine Region

Where is the Wachau Wine Region

Wachau wine region is on the Danube River in northern Austria. Between the towns of Melk and Krems.

History of Wachau Wine

History of viticulture here in Wachau is thought to trace back as far as Celtic tribes around 100 BCE. There were also a couple contributions from the Romans and Bavarians, but it was monks that did the most for this place. They built those steep terraced vineyards. The region is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is because of its material evidence that has survived to a remarkable degree.

Terrior of Wachau

The climate here is also remarkable due to two systems – the western Atlantic and the eastern Pannonian – meeting in the Wachau.Microclimatic zones also come into play, depending on the individual incline, exposition and terrain. Hot summers and severe winters are balanced out by large water surfaces like those of the Danube river. This kind of climate makes the grapes develop multifoliate aromatics, perceptible in the wines as cool fruit with occasional exotic notes. Soil types play an important role in Wachau vineyards. They are composed largely of sand, gravel and loess, carried downstream by the Danube over many millennia. Also present is a special kind of gneiss known as "gföhler," which is said to bring a certain minerality to Wachau wines.

Wachau Wine Characteristics 

The terms Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd have been commonly found on bottles of white Wachau wine. These three-tier classifications were developed by the region's producers as a way of communicating the style of their wines.

Steinfeder wines are the lightest: fresh and tangy, with a maximum of 11.5% ABV. The term means "stone feather", and is the name of a wispy, feather-like grass that grows on Wachau's stony terraces.

Federspiel wines are at medium level (11.5-12.5% ABV) and have a similar sharp edge as that of a hunting falcon there for Federspiel literally means “feather game” which is the art of subduing and killing prey with the use of bird - hunted and hunt.

Smaragd is a word meaning "emerald" in German, but in this case it refers to the green lizard which can often be seen basking on the warmest of Wachau's sun-baked stone terraces. Smaragd wines are full-bodied and usually have an alcohol content of at least 12%.

There are a few wines in the Wachau area that age quite well. Some highly sought-after examples include "Unendlich" Riesling by Franz Pichler and both the "Singerriedel"(Riesling) and "Honivogl" (Grüner Veltliner) from Franz Hirtzberger.

Among the region's best wines are Domane Wachau's Terrassen Riesling and Emmerich Knoll's Grüner Veltliner.

Food to pair with Wachau Wine

1. Wachauer Marillenknödel

One of the classic Austrian dishes is the Wachauer marillenknödel which is a dough-based dish consisting of a depitted Wachau apricot which is encased in a light dough and shaped like a dumpling. Once it's cooked and rolled in breadcrumbs that have been fried in butter, it's ready to enjoy. The dough in this recipe can be made with either soft cheese or potatoes, and the breadcrumbs are often seasoned with powdered cinnamon. Wachau apricot dumplings are traditionally served as a main dish and cased in a generous layer of icing sugar. Some might think that they're considered a dessert, but if you were to ask for one at most Austrian restaurants, you would receive it as the main course. This dish pairs well with wines from the Wachau region.

2. Mohnnudeln

Mohnnudeln is a popular sweet dish composed of thick potato dumplings and ground poppy seeds, drizzled with melted butter, and sprinkled with sugar. The dish originates from the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria, which has historically been known for their poppy seed production. As a result, this noodle dish is also sometimes referred to as Waldviertler mohnnudeln. Enjoy the taste of this dish with an amazing wine from Austria's wine region-Wachau Valley.

3. Rindsuppe

Soups are essential to Austrian cuisine as they have many sorts - simple rindsuppe is one of the most popular. This type of beef soup has played a significant role in Viennese cuisine. It takes a long time to make and includes adding only beef bones to boiling water for hours. The meat is usually boiled separately and then served in slices or cubes. The most common veggies which are cooked with the meat include carrots, parsley, celery and leeks. Though onions are traditionally roasted in a direct flame before being added to the soup, as you would with meat and vegetables, no one touches the foamy liquid until all of the ingredients are well cooked. Once that's done, they strain out the chara to get their soup. This soup pairs perfectly with wines from the Wachau region.

Places to visit near Wachau

Melk Abbey

Overlooking the Danube River, Melk Abbey is a breathtaking Baroque monastery with roots stretching back to the 11th century. Visitors can explore its majestic library, church, and beautiful gardens. The abbey also offers panoramic views of the Wachau Valley, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

Dürnstein

Known for its iconic blue church tower, Dürnstein is a charming medieval town nestled in the heart of the Wachau Valley. The ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was once held captive, offer a historic hike with stunning views of the Danube and surrounding vineyards. The town itself is picturesque, with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Austrian architecture, and wine taverns offering tastings of local vintages.

Krems an der Donau

As one of the gateways to the Wachau Valley, Krems is a historic city that boasts a blend of medieval and contemporary charm. The city's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Gothic Steiner Tor, the Kunstmeile Krems (an art district), and numerous museums like the Karikaturmuseum Krems. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the Weinstadt Museum Krems, which delves into the region's winemaking history.

Schallaburg Castle

Just outside the Wachau Valley, Schallaburg Castle is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles north of the Alps. The castle is renowned for its elaborate terracotta decorations and hosts various exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. The castle's gardens are a peaceful retreat, offering a mix of Renaissance and modern garden design.

Frequently asked questions about Wachau Wine Region