{"id":28467,"date":"2018-01-06T05:44:43","date_gmt":"2018-01-06T10:44:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/?p=28467"},"modified":"2018-11-19T15:30:25","modified_gmt":"2018-11-19T20:30:25","slug":"wachau-valley-wine-austria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wachau-valley-wine-austria\/","title":{"rendered":"Wachau Valley’s Liquid Gold: Austrian Wine Shines"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Wachau Valley<\/p>\n

By Brigitte Hasbron of The Food Tease<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Known for its picturesque natural and cultural landscapes\u00a0around the world, the Wachau Valley<\/em><\/a><\/strong> is a region\u00a0where\u00a0wine enthusiasts and aficionados want to immerse themselves in all things liquid and gold. A\u00a0wine lover’s place to be.<\/p>\n

Being a food blogger and seeing how food and wine are synonymous with the perfect marriage, it was fitting that I was\u00a0invited to two well-known vintners in Lower Austria, specifically in the famous Wachau Valley<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The sites of\u00a0the Danube River and the enchanting towns that we\u00a0drove through to reach our first vineyard were postcard worthy… even on a somewhat cloudy day.<\/p>\n

It was only when we stopped to take pictures, that I took full notice of the meticulously maintained\u00a0vineyards which are famous for their hand-laid stone terraces. Extraordinary!<\/p>\n

The Wachau Valley<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

When one reads “renowned winegrowers and internationally acclaimed wines, promising sheer pleasure”, you know that you are in good hands and that you are about to embark on a palatable and tasty journey.<\/p>\n

My intoxicating wine-filled journey started off by understanding the rich wine history\u00a0of the Wachau Valley,\u00a0<\/em>and why it is\u00a0this particular region that births such award-wining wines.<\/p>\n

Two factors that are responsible for exceptional\u00a0winemaking\u00a0in the Danube:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Special climate:<\/strong>\u00a0the interface between the moist air of the Atlantic and the dry Pannonian air <\/em>(low precipitation, hot summers but only moderately cold winters)\u00a0as well as the rich and varied soils over a relatively small geographical area, which include primary rocks, loess (equal parts of sand and silt), clay and sandy gravel soils. My geography teacher would be so pleased that I actually understand this.<\/p>\n

Well-trained and committed winegrowers: <\/strong>some of whom have reached international standing. Winegrowing has a long tradition in the Danube area. Even the Romans engaged in winegrowing here. According to my research, the Romans\u00a0laid the foundations for the characteristic wine terraces and winegrowing culture which is still\u00a0prevalent in the Danube region of Lower Austria today.<\/p>\n

Formula for their success: <\/em><\/strong>“The combination of innovation, excellent understanding of the quality and knowledge of the climate and terroir”.<\/p>\n

Grape Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visitors like myself have the opportunity to\u00a0sample top quality wines in the internationally renowned Wachau<\/em> winegrowing area on the Danube<\/em>.\u00a0The area in which I visited\u00a0is known for their\u00a0chardonnays and yellow muscatels; however, it is the Wachau Rieslings<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and its Gr\u00fcner Veltliner <\/em><\/a><\/strong>that has put Austria on the international scene, thus making the Wachau Valley <\/em>Austria\u2019s best-known winegrowing area.<\/p>\n

The Vinea Wachau<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Vinea Wachau,\u00a0<\/em>is an association of Wachau<\/em> winegrowers who produce wines and classifies them into three\u00a0distinct classifications: Steinfeder<\/em><\/strong>, Federspiel<\/em><\/strong>, and Smaragd<\/em><\/strong>. Each classification signifies the style of wine (light bodied, full bodied, etc.).<\/p>\n

The\u00a0classification can be found on the label of the wine bottle; and, you should also see it as part of the name of the wine when reading it on a restaurant wine list or in a retail catalogue (e.g.\u00a0Gr\u00fcner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen 2015).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This informs the wine lover of two things: that the wine is from the Wachau<\/em> region and the\u00a0style of the wine.<\/p>\n

The Grape Ambassadors of\u00a0Austrian White Wine<\/h2>\n

Steinfeder<\/em>, Federspiel<\/em>, and Smaragd <\/em>wines are considered ambassadors of the Austrian white wine culture and especially of the World Cultural Heritage Wachau<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, I needed to know as much as I could about Austrian wines and what makes them stand out amongst the rest of the world. So believe me when I say, there were plenty of questions as I\u00a0took one sip after another in their liquid gold.<\/p>\n

I quickly learned that the three\u00a0classifications are completely unique\u00a0to Austria and that\u00a0a similar example of them cannot be found in all of Europe. I was also educated that the\u00a0“designations serve as an orientation structure for wine lovers, because it allows for dry white wines to be defined according to three weight classes, each of which is based on natural alcohol content.”<\/p>\n

Tasting & Origin Notes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"Fruity charm and a stipulated maximum alcohol content of 11.5% by volume characterize the lightest style of top Vinea Wachau wines \u2013 the Steinfeder<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The name itself refers to the typical \u201cSteinfedergras\u201d (Stipa pennata), a grass which grows near the vines in the Wachau’s<\/em> terraced vineyards; it is light like a feather, and fragrant \u2013 just like the wine named after it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"This classic dry wine is distinguished by a strong, nuance-rich character. Federspiel<\/em> wines feature an alcohol content of between 11.5% and 12.5% by volume. The name Federspiel<\/em> refers back to the times of falconry, when this favourite form of noble hunting was practiced in the Wachau<\/em>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"\u00a0\"\"Smaragd <\/em>is the name for the best, most treasured wines from the Vinea Wachau members. The alcohol content of these wines begin at 12.5% by volume. This, along with the highest grape ripeness and natural concentration are what make this world-class designation possible.<\/p>\n

Emerald coloured lizards \u2013 also known as Smaragd<\/em> \u2013 are at home in the terraced vineyards of the Wachau<\/em>. On bright, sunny days, their beauty is highlighted dramatically as they bask in the gleaming sun next to the grapevines \u2013 the perfect symbol for the absolute top Wachau<\/em> wines with full physiological ripeness.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>“The Wachau is characterized by terraced vineyards, often towering steeply one on top of the other, in which world-class Gruner Veltliner and Riesling grapes grow amid weather-worn ancient rock.” – Wachau Travel Guide<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Wineries<\/h2>\n

Dom\u00e4ne Wachau Winery<\/em><\/h3>\n
<\/a>
Dom\u00e4ne Wachau<\/em> winery in Lower Austria.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With over 400 hectares, Dom\u00e4ne Wachau<\/em><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0has positioned its wines in over 40 different countries and is among the most well-known Austrian wineries in the world and has ascended to ‘Austria’s white-wine elite’.<\/p>\n

With their harvest consisting of 95% white wine and 5% red wine, it is safe to say that Dom\u00e4ne Wachau<\/em>\u00a0focuses\u00a0predominantly on Austrian\u00a0Gr\u00fcner Veltliner<\/em> (75%) and on Riesling\u00a0(<\/em>20%) wines. The remaining percentages concentrate on Pinot Blanc<\/em>, Chardonnay<\/em> and Muscat<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
Dom\u00e4ne Wachau’s<\/em> well known white wines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My visit to Dom\u00e4ne Wachau<\/em>\u00a0was not only one of education, but an appreciation\u00a0of the\u00a0labour intensive craftsmanship that is\u00a0involved in constructing and maintaining these hand-laid stone terraces that the vines grow on.<\/p>\n

“Dom\u00e4ne Wachau is one of the few wine co-operatives in the world to belong to the top vintners for its quality.” – Dom\u00e4ne Wachau<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Walking amongst the vineyards, one can\u00a0hike up to\u00a0the beautiful lookout that also doubles as\u00a0the perfect picnic area.<\/p>\n

Picture\u00a0it:\u00a0enjoying some bread and cheese with a glass of wine as you take in the sights of the winery with the famous Danube River as the backdrop. Now that is a view to behold!<\/p>\n

<\/a>
The Baroque Cellar Palace at Dom\u00e4ne Wachau <\/em> winery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly two thirds of the vineyards are very steep and terraced with ancient dry stonewalls earning the region the status of an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage<\/em> site.<\/p>\n

And if the winery wasn’t enough to impress, special occasions can be\u00a0enjoyed at the beautiful “Kellerschlossel<\/em>“- the Baroque Cellar Palace<\/em> which\u00a0can be reserved\u00a0for weddings\u00a0and\u00a0celebratory\u00a0milestones alike.<\/p>\n

“The small baroque chateau is nestled in the Wachau<\/em> vineyard slopes and its picturesque setting lures visitors and hikers to pause for leisure.”<\/p>\n

<\/a>
Dom\u00e4ne Wachau’s<\/em> Baroque Cellar Palace and wine cellar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No tour would be complete without visiting Dom\u00e4ne Wachau’s<\/em> 300 year old Baroque wine cellar.<\/p>\n

Going\u00a0down 15 metres into the\u00a0mouth of the cellar, I am\u00a0informed of the\u00a0intricate workings involved in the wine process:\u00a0the\u00a0juice handling,\u00a0the reductive fermentation\u00a0and the juice clarification.<\/p>\n

Learning seems easy when you are surrounded by\u00a0beautifully\u00a0etched oak barrels depicting wine history to the sleek and sexy\u00a0stainless steel\u00a0casts holding young\u00a0wine.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>During\u00a0my wine tasting, the staff were not only eager to answer all of my questions, but also\u00a0encouraged me to ask more as they take great pride in their products, and for good reason.<\/p>\n

Nearly all the wines can be tasted and purchased on the premises at their wine store (open from April to October). Guests are encouraged to try a variety of wines and take in the ‘Wachau’<\/em> moment which is an\u00a0unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

A wine lover’s paradise to say the least.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Holzapfel Prandtauerhof Winery & Restaurant<\/em><\/h3>\n

Now that I had a thorough knowledge of the Wachau<\/em> region and its wines, I had the pleasure of having lunch at the Holzapfels<\/em><\/a><\/strong> winery and restaurant.<\/p>\n

Holzapfel Prandtauerhof Winery & Restaurant<\/em> in the Wachau Valley<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With its rustic furnishings and beautifully designed courtyard, the cozy manor restaurant sits on its 14 hectar estate, all of which was idyllic for an afternoon luncheon.<\/p>\n

As I walked through the wine tasting area with its stone walls and wood laden d\u00e9cor it gave me the impression of a yester-year feeling. Classic yet unpolished, homey in nature.<\/p>\n

I was literally in for a surprise when it came to the food bounty that was about to present itself before me. The owner of the restaurant and her team made the luncheon\u00a0one that I will literally never forget!<\/p>\n

The Holzapfel Prandtauerhof Winery & Restaurant<\/em> spoiled me with their tower of Austrian appetizers. Flavourful spreads, cured meats (beef, pork and boar) and homemade bread were the perfect accompaniment with their wines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The wines that\u00a0were presented to accompany each course were spot on\u00a0as they\u00a0 married perfectly with each savoury dish.<\/p>\n

Being not so familiar with all the Austrian signature dishes, especially those from the region, the restaurant staff took the time to explain each one and their significance.<\/p>\n

(back to front) One of Holzapfel Prandtauerhof<\/em> wines that I enjoyed; salted pig cheek with crispy skin served with freshly grated horseradish and mayonnaise; roast pork\u00a0served with potato dumplings and sauerkraut; apricot dessert consisting of apricot dumplings, warm apricots and apricot sorbet on a apricot biscuit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It seemed as though each course\u00a0outshined the former. Cured meats, homemade spreads, salted pig cheeks, and roast pork and dumplings were just the ‘main events’\u00a0during my culinary\u00a0feast.<\/p>\n

It was as though, in one afternoon, I was shown the best of both\u00a0worlds:\u00a0wine and food that\u00a0perfectly painted the Wachau<\/em> region.<\/p>\n

If you are a wine\u00a0connoisseur and food lover,\u00a0I would highly recommend experiencing the Wachau Valley,<\/em>\u00a0particularly the two wineries that I visited.<\/p>\n

One thing that I can guarantee is that\u00a0you will leave with a new appreciation and admiration for the craftsmanship and manual work that these\u00a0establishments do for both wine and food.<\/p>\n

From someone who has always had a great difficulty in finding wines that easily agreed with her palate, I\u00a0believe I found\u00a0the remedy in\u00a0Wachau’s<\/em> liquid gold. And with that…Prost<\/em>!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Brigitte Hasbron<\/strong>
\n Culinary Travel\u00a0Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brigitte is the owner of The Food Tease<\/em>, the Canadian Capital\u2019s only combined culinary\u00a0and travel blog. She has had the privilege of working as a culinary journalist with some of the best chefs and sommeliers in Canada and abroad.<\/p>\n

As an haute cuisine graduate from the\u00a0most prestigious culinary school in the world, Le Cordon Bleu Institute<\/em>, Brigitte gained an appreciation of the hard work and sacrifice required to become a successful chef.<\/p>\n

Over the years, she has expanded her knowledge of gastronomy and wine by participating, either as a contributor or as a journalist, in various culinary events hosted by world-renowned chefs and master sommeliers.<\/p>\n

Brigitte’s passion for food and travel pushes her to promote and give credit to the men and women of the culinary world.<\/p>\n

Brigitte\u2019s appetite for all things tasty and her never-ending\u00a0fascination for learning will always be her driving force. Brigitte strives to inform and educate others\u00a0regarding all of the splendours that food, wine and travel have to offer. Find her at\u00a0www.thefoodtease<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wachau Valley By Brigitte Hasbron of The Food Tease Known for its picturesque natural and cultural landscapes\u00a0around the world, the Wachau Valley is a region\u00a0where\u00a0wine enthusiasts and aficionados want to immerse themselves in all things liquid and gold. A\u00a0wine lover’s place to be. Being a food blogger and seeing how food and wine are synonymous with the perfect marriage, it was fitting that I was\u00a0invited to two well-known vintners in Lower Austria, specifically in the famous Wachau Valley. The sites of\u00a0the Danube River and the enchanting towns that we\u00a0drove through to reach our first vineyard were postcard worthy… even on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":218249,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[329,330,113,1169,217,345,940,198,9,10,136,368,332,1085,1324,16,242,125,1084,333,1015,957,394,118,1011,1016],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28467","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-austria-wine","category-austrian-wine","category-best-wines","category-bread-wine","category-charcuterie-wine","category-comfort-food-and-wine","category-custom-wine-cellar","category-dips-wine","category-food-entertaining","category-food-wine-pairing","category-game-wine","category-grilled-meat-wine","category-gruner-veltliner","category-how-to-read-wine-label","category-muscat","category-pairings","category-pastry-wine","category-wine-pork","category-reading-wine-labels","category-riesling","category-visit-winery","category-warm-weather-wine","category-white-wine","category-wine-cellars-2","category-wine-region","category-winery-tasting-room"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28467","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/218249"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28467"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28467\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43064,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28467\/revisions\/43064"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28467"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28467"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nataliemaclean.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28467"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}