Kremstal

Kremstal is perhaps Austria’s top winemaking region which was awarded its own DAC — Districtus Austriae Controllatus — in 2007 in recognition of the region’s rich, rounded Grüner Veltliner and superb dry Riesling. Kremstal, meaning “Krems Valley”, is sandwiched between Kamptal to the northeast and Wachau to the southwest, centered around the town of Krems-an-der-Donau, 55 kilometers northwest of Vienna. What makes Kremstal special is the aspect of the vineyards, most of which climb up from the Danube into the rolling hills of Krems. The continental climate, giving pronounced variation between day and night temperatures, helps grapes ripen steadily while retaining the crisp acidity for which the region’s wines are known.

Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s own grape variety, does best on the clay and limestone soils of the lower-lying sites close to the river. Here, Grüner achieves the perfect ripeness, allowing for wines of startling intensity, body and aromatics. As the vineyards steepen toward Wachau, Riesling thrives amongst the granite and gneiss. These wines occupy the intersection between Alsatian and German styles.