The first DAC appellation on the Danube-Appellation an der Donau Grüner Veltliner & Riesling are, for the first time, in the Reserve category of a white DAC Kremstal DAC Brings Fresh Dynamic to Traditional Area
Kremstal DAC – a trailblazer along the Danube
Kremstal DAC – a trailblazer along the Danube
The Kremstal is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Austria, and the new Kremstal DAC designation of origin brings a fresh dynamic to an entire tradition-rich region. Situated between the Wachau and Kamptal wine-growing areas, Kremstal dac firms up its central position by offering the first region-typical wines of origin along the Danube.
"With the Kremstal DAC, we want to add more identity to the area and position the Kremstal as a brand that one can trust and feel completely comfortable with,” says Sepp Mantler, head of the Kremstal Regional Wine Committee. "Moreover, we are proud to be one of the oldest vineyard site cultures in Austria and want to maintain this as part of the Kremstal DAC as well."
Kremstal DAC strengthens the growing dac family
The Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) is also enthusiastic about the Regional Wine Committee decision. "The Kremstal is a renowned wine-growing area nationally and internationally, and the new Kremstal DAC strengthens our efforts to highlight typical wines of origin in Austria," says Willi Klinger, general manager of the AWMB. "Also internationally, Kremstal DAC will secure the position of the area through a clear taste profile."
Kremstal DAC is now the fourth member of the successful DAC family, whose other appellations are Weinviertel DAC (2003), Mittelburgenland DAC (2006) and Traisental DAC (2007).
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling for the first time in a Reserve category
Like all other DACs, the Kremstal DAC is subject to the general requirements for Austrian quality wines. Additionally, though, only two grape varieties can be used for the production of Kremstal DAC wines: Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. In its classic, fruit-accented character, Grüner Veltliner is fresh and smooth-drinking, while showing a touch of fine spice. Riesling is light and elegant with stone fruit aromas and a mineral character. Both styles are dry and must not exhibit any wood tone or note of botrytis, and must have tame alcohol levels (12.0% -12.5% ABV) as well.
At the same time, the introduction of a second level of quality wine reflects the Kremstal DAC's role as a pioneering white wine appellation. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling with the additional designation of "Reserve" feature aromatic qualities that are similar to those of the classic DAC wines, but they have slightly higher alcohol levels – a minimum of 13% - as well as the following characteristics: dry, a robust style, distinct varietal aromas and flavours, density and a long finish. Any notes of botrytis or wood must be subtle.
Applications for obtaining state inspection numbers for the classic style wines can be sent in as of January 1st - and for the Reserve wines, as of March 15th – in the year following the harvest. The wide variety of all other quality wines that do not meet Kremstal DAC standards will carry the designation of origin Niederösterreich on their labels.