Understanding Grüner Veltliner Labels From Wachau

Grüner Veltliner is Austria‘s signature white grape variety, and the Wachau region is one of the best places in the world to find it. Wachau Grüner Veltliners are known for their complex aromas and flavors, which can range from citrus and peach to white pepper and spice.

But how can you tell which Wachau Grüner Veltliner is right for you? There are a few key things to look for on the label.

Understanding Austrian wine labels unlocks the secrets of Grüner Veltliner from Wachau, a world-class region. Look for the DAC seal guaranteeing Wachau origin and 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes. The Prädikat system reveals grape ripeness at harvest, with higher levels indicating more complexity. Explore different producers and terminology like Federspiel, Smaragd, and Reserve to find your perfect bottle of Austrian delight.

The Grüner Veltliner Grape and its Importance in Wachau

Wachau Grüner Veltliner wines are known for their complexity, freshness, and robust structure. This is due in large part to the region’s unique terroir.

The soils in the Wachau region are a mix of granite, gneiss, and loess. Granite soils are often fissured, which allows the vine roots to delve deep into the soil and absorb water and minerals from below.

This helps to keep the vines hydrated and healthy, and it also contributes to the freshness of the wines. Gneiss and loess soils are rich and mineral, and they add complexity and depth to the wines.

The Wachau region is subject to two meteorological forces: the hot air from the Pannonian plains and the cold wind from the Weinviertel. This leads to a significant difference in temperature between day and night, especially in the summer.

This is ideal for Grüner Veltliner, as it helps to keep the acidity high while allowing the aromas to develop. The result is complex and well-balanced wines with a robust structure.

Wachau Grüner Veltliner wines are typically known for their high acidity, minerality, and fruit flavors. Common flavors and aromas include:

• Green apple
• Citrus fruits
• Stone fruits
• White pepper
• Spice
• Herbs
• Honey
• Toast
• Nuts

Grüner Veltliner is the most important grape variety in the Wachau region. It is estimated that over 90% of the vineyards in the Wachau are planted with Grüner Veltliner. The grape variety is vital to the local economy and culture.

Grüner Veltliner wines from the Wachau are some of the most highly regarded in the world. They have won numerous awards and have been praised by critics for their complexity, elegance, and aging potential.

Unraveling the Wachau Classification System

Let’s start with a quick reminder on the major quality levels in Austria (Austria’s classification system).

Austria has a comprehensive wine classification system that is based on grape ripeness and sugar content. The system is divided into three main quality levels:

• Prädikatwein: The top tier of Austrian wine, Prädikatwein wines are made from grapes that have reached a high level of ripeness. These wines are typically full-bodied and complex, with high alcohol levels.
• Qualitätswein: Qualitätswein wines are made from grapes that have reached a lower level of ripeness than Prädikatwein grapes. These wines are typically lighter and more refreshing, with lower alcohol levels.
• Landwein: Landwein wines are made from grapes that are grown in specific regions of Austria. These wines are typically the most affordable option, but they can still be of good quality.

Within the Prädikatwein category, there are seven sub-categories, which are based on the sugar content of the grapes at harvest. The sub-categories are, in descending order of sugar content:

• Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA): Made from grapes that have been affected by noble rot, TBA wines are the sweetest and most concentrated of all Austrian wines.
• Eiswein: Made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine, Eiswein wines are also very sweet and concentrated.
• Beerenauslese (BA): Made from grapes that have been selected for their high sugar content, BA wines are full-bodied and sweet.
• Auslese: Made from selected ripe grapes, Auslese wines are typically sweeter than Qualitätswein wines, but not as sweet as BA or TBA wines.
• Spätlese: Made from late-harvested grapes, Spätlese wines can be dry or sweet, depending on the producer.
• Erste Lage: Made from grapes grown in top vineyards, Erste Lage wines are typically of high quality.
• Kabinett: Made from early-harvested grapes, Kabinett wines are typically light and refreshing.

When choosing an Austrian wine, it is important to consider the quality level and the sub-category (if applicable). This will help you to choose a wine that suits your taste and budget.

Moreover, since the mid-1980s, the regional protection association “Vinea Wachau” has classified the Wachau’s dry white wines into three categories based on their alcohol content.

Light and fruity wines up to 11.5% alcohol by volume are called “Steinfeder” (referring to the feather grass “stipa pennata”).

The classic category (11.5% to 12.5% ABV) is named “Federspiel” (a term originating from falconry), while the heavier Reserve wines are known as “Smaragd” (starting from 12.5% ABV).

The green lizards that inspired this designation, called “emerald lizards” in German, enjoy basking in the sun in the Wachau vineyards.

Decoding Grüner Veltliner Label Information

Identifying the Winery: Recognizing Prominent Wachau Producers

When it’s a “Ried” wine, meaning the grapes come from one vineyard, the name of vineyard is mentioned. Be on the lookout for : Loibenberg, Kellerberg, Klaus, Achleiten, Hochrain, Singerriedel, and Tausand-Eimer-Berg.

Last, I also drew a list of my favourite wineries in the Wachau region, feel free to check it at the end of this post.

Identifying the vintage

The Wachau region in Austria is one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions, known for its elegant and complex Grüner Veltliner wines.

However, the Wachau is also a region that is subject to the whims of nature, and the quality of its wines can vary from year to year.

Here is a brief overview of the Wachau vintages from 2012 to 2022, to help you understand the importance of vintages:

2012

The 2012 vintage in Wachau was a good year overall, with high quality wines produced in most vineyards. The weather was warm and sunny throughout the growing season, with little rain.

This resulted in grapes that were ripe and concentrated. The wines from the 2012 vintage are known for their fruit flavors, acidity, and balance.

2013

The 2013 vintage in Wachau was also a good year, with fine wines produced in most vineyards. The weather was cooler and wetter than in 2012, but the grapes still ripened well.

The wines from the 2013 vintage are known for their elegance, minerality, and acidity.

2014

The 2014 vintage in Wachau was a challenging year, with heavy rain in August and September affecting the quality of the grapes in some vineyards. However, many winemakers were still able to produce high quality wines, especially from the Grüner Veltliner grape.

The wines from the 2014 vintage are typically lighter in body and lower in acidity than wines from other years.

2015

The 2015 vintage in Wachau was a very good year, with hot summers and welcome rainfall in August. All regions produced high quality wines, but there was hail damage in some vineyards.

The wines from the 2015 vintage are known for their fruit flavors, acidity, and balance.

2016

The 2016 vintage in Wachau was another good year, with high quality wines produced in most vineyards. However, there was spring frost that affected some vineyards.

The wines from the 2016 vintage are known for their elegance, minerality, and acidity.

2017

The 2017 vintage in Wachau was a challenging year, with spring frosts causing considerable damage in some vineyards. However, many winemakers were still able to produce high quality wines, especially from the Grüner Veltliner grape.

The wines from the 2017 vintage are typically lighter in body and lower in acidity than wines from other years.

2018

The 2018 vintage in Wachau was also a challenging year, with a cold winter and a dry summer that caused some vines to suffer from drought. Late rain in August helped to improve the quality of the grapes, but the vintage is not considered to be very good in Wachau.

However, some winemakers were still able to produce high quality wines, especially from the Grüner Veltliner grape.

The wines from the 2018 vintage are typically lighter in body and lower in acidity than wines from other years.

2019

The 2019 vintage in Wachau was a very good year, with all regions producing high quality wines. The weather was warm and sunny throughout the growing season, with little rain. This resulted in grapes that were ripe and concentrated.

The wines from the 2019 vintage are known for their fruit flavors, acidity, and balance.

2020

The 2020 vintage in Wachau was another good year, with excellent wines produced in most regions. The weather was warm and dry throughout the growing season, with some rain in August.

This resulted in grapes that were ripe and concentrated. The wines from the 2020 vintage are known for their fruit flavors, acidity, and structure.

2021

The 2021 vintage in Wachau was an excellent year, with all regions producing outstanding wines. The weather was warm and sunny throughout the growing season, with little rain.

This resulted in grapes that were perfectly ripe and concentrated. The wines from the 2021 vintage are known for their intense fruit flavors, acidity, and balance.

2022

The 2022 vintage in Wachau is still too early to judge definitively, as the wines are still aging. However, reports from winemakers suggest that it was another excellent year for Wachau wine.

The weather was warm and sunny throughout the growing season, with little rain.

If you’re looking for more information about vintages, this website has you covered

The Art of Winemaking in Wachau

Traditional winemaking techniques in Wachau are focused on preserving the natural acidity and minerality of the Grüner Veltliner grapes. This is typically done by fermenting the grapes in stainless steel tanks and aging the wines on the lees (spent yeast cells).

One of the most important traditional winemaking techniques in Wachau is lees aging. Lees aging involves keeping the wine in contact with the spent yeast cells for a period of time after fermentation. This can help to add complexity and richness to the wine, as well as improve its aging potential.

Another traditional winemaking technique in Wachau is the use of large oak barrels. Large oak barrels can help to soften the acidity of the Grüner Veltliner wines and add subtle aromas of vanilla and toast.

Modern winemaking techniques in Wachau are focused on producing wines that are more fruit-forward and have a more rounded mouthfeel. This is typically done by using smaller oak barrels and shorter lees aging periods.

One of the most popular modern winemaking techniques in Wachau is the use of new oak barrels. New oak barrels can impart strong flavors of vanilla and toast to the wine. This can be desirable for some consumers, but it can also mask the natural flavors and aromas of the Grüner Veltliner grapes.

Another modern winemaking technique in Wachau is the use of malolactic fermentation (MLF). MLF is a process that converts malic acid (a tart acid) to lactic acid (a softer acid). MLF can help to soften the acidity of the Grüner Veltliner wines and make them more approachable.

Thus, Grüner Veltliner wines from Wachau can be vinified in the “Klassik” version, this means the wines are fermented and aged in stainless steel containers. The wines will then have a crispy attack, have high acidity and will present aromas of green apple, citrus, stone fruits and white pepper.

The finish is usually long and very refreshing.

They can also be vinified in the “Reserve” version, meaning it will be aged in barrels, new oak.

Although “Klassik” isn’t always mentionned on the label, “Reserve” is. So, if you can’t see any indication, it’s going to be a wine made in the “Klassik” way.

The Age-Worthiness of Grüner Veltliner Wines

While many Grüner Veltliner wines are meant to be enjoyed young, some of the best examples can age for decades.

The age-worthiness of a Grüner Veltliner wine depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the grapes, the winemaking techniques used, and the storage conditions.

However, in general, the following are some characteristics that make a Grüner Veltliner wine more likely to age well:

• High acidity: Acidity is a natural preservative, and it helps to keep wines fresh over time. Grüner Veltliner wines typically have high acidity, which makes them well-suited for aging.
• Minerality: Minerality is a complex flavor characteristic that is often found in Grüner Veltliner wines. Minerality can add complexity and depth to wines, and it can also help to preserve them over time.
• Concentration: Concentrated wines have more flavor and body than less concentrated wines. Concentrated Grüner Veltliner wines are more likely to age well than less concentrated wines.

Some of the most age-worthy Grüner Veltliner wines come from the Wachau region in Austria. The Wachau is a cool-climate region with a long growing season, which allows the grapes to develop fully and ripen slowly. This results in wines with high acidity, minerality, and concentration.

Some of the specific Wachau Grüner Veltliner wines that are known for their age-worthiness include:

• Domäne Wachau Smaragd
• Bründlmayer’s Alte Reben
• F.X. Pichler’s Loibner Berg
• Nikolaihof’s Wachauer Terrassen
• Weingut Knoll’s Achleiten

These wines can age for decades, and they will develop complex flavors of honey, toast, nuts, and spice with age.

If you are interested in aging Grüner Veltliner wine, it is important to store the wines in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. The wines should also be stored horizontally to keep the corks moist.

Here are some tips for aging Grüner Veltliner wine:

• Choose wines from the Wachau region or other cool-climate regions.
• Look for wines with high acidity, minerality, and concentration.
• Store the wines in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature.
• Store the wines horizontally to keep the corks moist.

With proper care, Grüner Veltliner wines can age for decades and develop complex flavors and aromas that are well worth the wait.

Conclusion: Understanding Grüner Veltliner Labels from Wachau

Grüner Veltliner is a complex and versatile grape variety, and the wines from the Wachau region are some of the best in the world. By understanding the Austrian wine label terminology, you can make informed choices about the wines you buy and enjoy.

Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips for understanding Grüner Veltliner labels from Wachau:

• Look for the DAC classification. The DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) classification is a quality seal that ensures that the wine is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes from the Wachau region.
• Pay attention to the Prädikat. The Prädikat is a classification system that indicates the ripeness of the grapes at harvest. The higher the Prädikat, the riper the grapes and the more complex the wine will be.
• Consider the producer. There are many excellent Grüner Veltliner producers in the Wachau region. Do some research to find producers that have a good reputation and that make wines that you enjoy.

Brief Glossary of Austrian Wine Label Terminology

• DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus): A quality seal that ensures that the wine is made from 100% Grüner Veltliner grapes from the Wachau region.
• Prädikat: A classification system that indicates the ripeness of the grapes at harvest. The Prädikats, in ascending order of ripeness, are: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein.
• Federspiel: A classification for Grüner Veltliner wines with an alcohol content of 11.5% to 12.5%.
• Smaragd: A classification for Grüner Veltliner wines with an alcohol content of 12.5% or higher.
• Reserve: A classification for Grüner Veltliner wines that have been aged in barrels.
• Erzeugerabfüllung: Bottled by the producer.
• Gutsabfüllung: Estate bottled.
• Abfüller: Bottler or shipper.

With so many great Austrian wines on the market, you’re sure to find one that you love.

If you’re having trouble finding Austrian wine in your local wine shop (as I do… not much Austrian wine in the south of France), there are some great places to find it online. Check out 8wines for instance, which delivers worldwide.

Meanwhile, cheers!