Austria’s northernmost wine-growing region, the Weinviertel, is home to “peppery” Grüner Veltliner wines. The Weinviertel has clearly defined boundaries – the Manhartsberg to the west, the Danube to the south and the Austrian/Czech border extending along the north and east. This, alongside the region’s great size and numerous microclimatic and geological differences, means that the Weinviertel clearly sets itself apart from other regions.
The Weinviertel’s classic Grüner Veltliner wines have a homogenous, typical character that was the subject of a scientific study. It is no wonder, therefore, that the Weinviertel’s classic, peppery Grüner Veltliner made history as Austria’s very first wine with a protected designation of origin when the new DAC system was established.
In contrast to Grüner Veltliner wines from the Danube region, those from the Weinviertel have a more rustic aroma and character, making them an ideal pairing for the local cuisine. In a few Weinviertel vineyards, Reserve-quality Grüner Veltliner has been seen to demonstrate the same kind of concentration and finesse that characterise wines from the Danube region. The Weinviertel’s overall climate favours not only Grüner Veltliner, but also a wide range of other grape varieties, including refreshing Welschriesling, Pinot Blanc and Riesling. It is important to note that there are also small pockets of red wine production in the Weinviertel region, e.g. around Haugsdorf.