The indigenous Roter Veltliner plays a vital role within the Veltliner Family, and is the parent variety of Neuburger, Zierfandler and Rotgipfler. The Roter Veltliner is predominantly in Wagram
Origin
probably brought from the Valtellina to Austria
Parentage
Unknown
Vineyard area
195 ha, 0.4%
Parentage: Roter Veltliner is actually the parent variety of the Veltliner group and appears in numerous types (Weissroter, Brauner, Silberweißer Veltliner and Gelbling). As an autochthonous variety, it holds a special position amongst the Veltliners as a natural crossing partner for Neuburger, Zierfandler and Rotgipfler.
Vineyard area: It grows in limited areas of Niederösterreich, especially in Wagram, Kamptal and Kremstal, and occasionally in the Weinviertel and Wien (Vienna). Between 1999 and 2015, its representation in vineyards decreased steadily.
Important ampelographic features:
Leaf: large, five lobes, deeply sinuated
Grape cluster: medium to large with very compact berries; conical conical with grapes coloured from greenish-yellow to flesh-red; thick skinned; uneven ripening.
Ripening time: late
Significance, conditions: Has lost vineyard area because the sites needed are extremely good for the Grüner Veltliner. The variety needs early warming sites with deep loess soils. During flowering, it is extremely sensitive to winter and late frosts. It is also very prone to Botrytis and peronospora. Overall, it does not have vivid varietal characteristics, which limits its appeal.
Wine: Roter Veltliner is a high yielding variety, which is why yield limitation is necessary for achieving high quality Bottlings. Then, very characteristic and elegant, extract-rich wines with fine aromatics and enormous ageing potential can be created. Without yield regulation, the wines are somewhat thin and simple.