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The Winery The Domäne Wachau is deeply rooted in the Wachau region. Close to 440 hectares of vineyards are cultivated by the members of this quality-oriented cooperative – that makes 30 percent of the entire Wachau vineyard area. These vineyards are found on steep terraces reinforced by old dry stone walls and are part of a World Cultural Heritage. Famous names like Achleiten, Kollmitz, Loibenberg and Tausend-Eimer-Berg are found on the Domäne Wachau’s vineyard map and make it the only winery in the Wachau with wines from all of the most prestigious sites in the region. Domäne Wachau strives for the highest quality and as a member of the Vinea Wachau Nobils Districtus quality association, produces wines in the categories Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd. Grapes are sourced from our own vineyards in the Wachau; the purchase of grapes, must or wine from outside the Wachau is not permitted. Domäne Wachau is among the largest wineries in Austria and produces wines in the premium segment only. New measures for quality assurance have brought Domäne Wachau recognition as one of the top ten best white wine producers in Austria. The Domäne Wachau vineyards are found throughout the Wachau on the steep dry stone terraces on both sides of the Danube River. A discerning eye can already predict the high quality of the wines just by looking at the vineyards. Oenologist Heinz Frischengruber works together closely with the Domäne Wachau vintners to ensure quality. The costs of cultivating wines on the terraced slopes are many times greater than on the valley floor. If one also considers the extremely low average yield of 5,000 kg/ha, one can understand why vineyard cultivation in the Wachau is five times higher than in flat regions where mechanization is possible. The dry stone walls of the terraced vineyards are an essential part of the terroir in the Wachau. These walls were constructed from natural rock and rubble without the help of cement mortar. The manual placement of each rock for this unique work of construction requires much experience and sensitivity. The Domäne Wachau initiated a quality assurance concept in its prime vineyard “Kellerberg” several years ago. From this, a reward system has been developed in which co-op members of Domäne Wachau may voluntarily participate and through holistic and sustainable methods ensure fruit and thus wine quality. Close observation and objective, transparent analysis of the vineyards lead to premium prices for fruit for participating grape growers. In addition to this, the preservation of natural resources is taken seriously and preventative measures reduce the need for plant protection preparations. This has motivated enthusiasm among the members of the Domäne Wachau cooperative. The predominant grape variety at Domäne Wachau is Grüner Veltliner and makes up 70% of the vineyard area. This variety has achieved international recognition as one of the world’s great white wine varieties. There is also no other wine-growing area in Austria that boasts a higher share of Riesling and the vineyard share of this variety is 20%. Neuburger is a regional specialty for which Domäne Wachau is the largest producer world-wide. Rivaner, Pinot Blanc and Muskateller are further important white wine varieties. Red wine varieties make up 5% with Blauer Zweigelt and Pinot Noir playing the leading role. The Cellar Winemaker Heinz Frischengruber now sources from the best possible fruit thanks to the established reward system for growers as well as strict fruit delivery regulations. He handles these grapes gently and conscientiously while focusing on precision of expression. Protective juice handling and reductive fermentation are practiced to promote the best primary fruit extraction. Juice clarification is given two days and the cool fermentation of clear must follows. Fermentation takes a bit longer at 16-18°C (Smaragd ferments slightly warmer). The wines are sulphured as late as possible to ensure stability. This practice often requires sensory control twice daily to select the perfect time for stabilization (and that with over 50 different wines in the cellar!).The addition of sulphur dioxide occurs later, up to six weeks after fermentation, for Smaragd wines. Frischengruber’s focus is on the single-vineyard wines. These remain particularly long on the fine lees. Minimal manipulation is practiced to allow great wines their maximum potential for natural development. Our Philosophy Domäne Wachau strives for quality without compromise both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Together with significantly improved cooperation with grape growers and a competently employed vineyard quality assurance program, gentle vinification technique guarantee wines of precise and clear expression. All of the Domäne Wachau wines and in particular the “Terrassen” and single-vineyard wines are never heady alcohol-laden wines, but fruity wines with firm mineral structure that have been highly influenced by primary rock soils. Finesse, not voluptuous body, is in the foreground and these wines offer tremendous drinking pleasure and fascinating elegance as accompaniment to food. Domäne Wachau strives for authentic regional character in their wines. The Wachau and its marvellous vineyards should find precise definition and clear expression. Essential is persistent, stabile fruit and mineral character that continue with extended bottle ageing and mature into complex secondary aromas in our top wines. The superb ageing capability of selected Smaragd wines and their fascinating development in the bottle is an explicit goal in our wine making. A core goal of our cooperative is the achievement of fair grape prices for our numerous growers that labour under the difficult conditions in the Wachau. Not only the hard work in the steep terraces, but also measures for preserving our cultural landscape should be rewarded. This goal and our commitment to the highest possible quality are behind all of our efforts.