Kremstal WIne Region Guide

Kremstal wine region is one of five wine regions extending on either side of the Danube river. The vineyards in the area are centered around the town of Krems, downstream of Wachau DAC. Austria's fascinating wine region is one of the oldest wine-growing regions inherited over a thousand years of winemaking. Kremstal wine region boasts ancient monastic vineyards and ruined thousand-year-old terraced vineyards on the slope of the valley plunging into the Krems river, joining the Danube river just east of town. The wine region is one of the most challenging and rewarding wine-growing areas in Europe and has been the heart of the wine trade in Austria.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Kremstal!

Where is the Kremstal wine region?

The Kremstal wine area is located in northern Austria, centered in the town of Krems. The region is tiny and is bounded to the north by Kamptal DAC, to the south by Wachau DAC, and to the east by Traisental DAC. The Krems river travels across the region from west to east, eventually joining the Danube. The location is only 77 kilometers northwest of Vienna, Austria's capital. Kremstal is Austria's smallest wine area, with only 2250 hectares of grapes accounting for 5% of Austrian wine production. The terrain and environment allow vines to perform to their full potential.

History of the Kremstal wine region

The Kremstal wine region is one of Austria's oldest wine districts, with winemaking and viticultural tradition dating back over a thousand years. The town of Krems was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period, as attested by the 32000-year-old Venus vom Galgenberg statue. Around 48AD, the Romans moved into the area and began viticulture near Krems. The area is dominated by monasteries, which were also in the management of vineyards. As Christianity spread, so did the need for wine, which led to monasteries operating wineries since medieval times. There are 11th-century ruins of terraced vineyards as well as signs of medieval monastic vineyards. UNESCO has declared Krems' old town as a World Heritage Site.

The terroir and geography of the Kremstal wine region

The warm Pannonian breeze from the east and the chilly winds from the north influence the Kremstal wine area. The average temperature is 33.3 degrees Celsius, with a low of -12.1 degrees Celsius in winter. In the west of the region, the topography is dominated by hills with a steep slope. The Krems River flows over the country, flowing through the hills from the lovely town of Krems. The soil in the west is largely rocky, whilst Loess dominates in the north and east. The vineyards near the river are generally clayey with a limestone mix.

Popular grape varieties from the Kremstal wine region

Gruner Veltliner accounts for around 60% of the vineyards in the Kremstal wine area. Riesling is another noteworthy grape in the region, accounting for 10% of output and being distinctive and rated the best in Austria. The Kremstal wine region produces approximately 80% red wines and 20% white wines. Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Zweigelt, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are among notable varietals.

Food to pair with Kremstal wine

Phở cuốn

Phở cuốn, also known as Pho Rolls, is a traditional Vietnamese delicacy made with an uncut sheet of Pho noodle as a wrapper and filled with stir-fried beef, garlic, ginger, pepper, onions, lettuce, and herbs. The roll is popular in the summer and is typically served with a dip made with fish sauce, sugar, garlic, chili, and vinegar on the side. This flavorful food is typically served as a snack or appetizer. The Phở cuốn is thought to have been invented by a street hawker in Hanoi who ran short of broth for Pho and substituted uncut Pho with stir-fried beef.

Phở xào

Phở xào is a stir-fried version of the classic Pho made using traditional Vietnamese ingredients rather than cooked. Unlike traditional pho, this dish does not have broth. The meal is normally cooked with beef, although it can also be done with chicken. All of the components are stir-fried and seasoned with condiments like oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce in this recipe. This classic Vietnamese dish surprisingly goes well with wines from the Kremstal region.

Florette

Florette is a goat cheese from the Rhone region of France. The Guilloteau creamery manufactures this exquisite French cheese with bloomy rindy features from goat's milk. Florette is hexagonal in shape and comes in a number of sizes. This pungent and acidic cheese goes well with crusty bread, mushrooms, potatoes, and dried fruits. Pair it with white wines from the Vulkanland Steiermark region.

Places to visit in the Kremstal wine region

Aggstein Castle

The Aggstein castle ruin is located in the Melk district on the right bank of the Danube. The castle was built around 300 meters above the river in the early 12th century. The castle used to be magnificent, with 150 long constructions and rock structures at both ends. The castle was possessed by the Kuenring dynasty of Aggsbach-Gansbach from 1181 until it was taken by Hadmar III. The castle has undergone various restorations over the ages, including a major one in the nineteenth century and another in 2003. The Rose Garden, a rock ledge used to torment prisoners, is the most fascinating feature of the castle. This renowned medieval castle has hidden stairways, gardens, a dungeon, a knight's hall, and towers. The castle also includes a medieval-style bar.

Schönbühel Castle

Schönbühel Castle is a medieval castle built in the 12th century on top of a rocky hill on the right bank of the Danube River in Schonbuhel-Aggsbach, a lower Austrian town just below Melk. Before the castle, it is thought that a Roman fortress stood there. The castle was built as a defensive stronghold in the early 12th century by Marchwardus de Schoenbuchele. Later, the castle was possessed by Conrad Con Elsenbeutel and then by the Abbey of Melk. The castle was sold in the late 14th century to the Starhemberg family, who owned it for about 400 years. The Starhemberg family sold the castle along with the castle of Aggstein to count Franz. Franz von Beroldingen purchased the castle from the Starhemberg family along with the castle of Aggstein in 1819. The castle underwent extensive repair, which resulted in its current look in 1821. This beautiful castle is must visit place in Krems.