Wine Postage Stamps from Austria: Carnuntum chosen for the ‘Wine Regions’ series in 2015
Rubin Carnuntum
Rubin Carnuntum
The wine-growing region Carnuntum stretches eastward from the capital city Vienna to the Slovakian border. Its vineyards spread out south of the Danube River across three hilly landscapes: the Leithagebirge, the Arbesthaler Hügelland and the Hainburger Berge. The heavy soil and the Pannonian climate – hot summers and cold winters – coupled with Carnuntum’s proximity to the temperature-regulating waters of Lake Neusiedl and the Danube, allow the grapes of the red- and white-wine vines growing here to ripen fully. Austria’s most widely planted red variety, the Blauer Zweigelt, thrives in Carnuntum, and its wines, vinificated in various styles, enjoy great popularity abroad as well as at home. From this single variety alone, more than 40 Carnuntine wine-growers have been producing an elegant and firm red wine since 1992, notable for its charming fruit, velvety tannins and impressive finish, named for a precious stone, the ruby: Rubin Carnuntum.
History comes alive
Archaeological discoveries provide evidence that wine was already being produced in Carnuntum during the 1st century BC. The Romans as well, who had founded Carnuntum to serve as fortified winter quarters in the year 6 AD, happily pursued viticulture since it was ultimately a very profitable enterprise. In the following centuries, Carnuntum grew into one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire, home to some 50,000 residents during its heyday in the 3rd century. Today the Heidentor, built in the 4th century as part of a prestigious structure, invites visitors to travel into the past at the Carnuntum Archaeological Park with its reconstructed ancient buildings – as well as decorating the capsule of Rubin Carnuntum wines, symbolising living history.
Vinophilatelists take notice
Since the date of issue, 5 September 2015, the Carnuntum special edition stamp series, printed on small sheets with a decorative border, is available in post offices as well as from the online shop of the Austrian Postal Service.
The following formats are available:
- Small sheet of ten (8.00 €)
- Small sheet, special edition with colour prints (15.99 €)
- Individual stamps (.80 €)
In 2016 the wine-growing region Mittelburgenland will be the subject of the special edition postage stamps ‘Wine Regions of Austria’.
Order-Service
Österreichische Post AG
Sammler-Service
Steinheilgasse 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
Telephone: +43 (1) 577 67-95095
Fax: +43 (1) 577 67-95195
Hotline: 0800 100 197 (Österreich)
E-Mail: sammler-service@post.at
Online-Shop: www.philatelie.at
Links
Online Stamp Shop
Special Stamp 2014 Wachau