In the heart of Krems an der Donau, a city rich in history and cultural heritage, lies a unique treasure of Austrian wine culture: the Weingut Stadt Krems.
Founded in 1452, this winery is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the world.
What makes Weingut Stadt Krems particularly remarkable is not only its long history but also the fact that it is solely owned by the city of Krems.
A Jewel among Austrian Traditional Wineries
As a member of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW), Weingut Stadt Krems has the privilege of cultivating some of Austria's most prestigious vineyards. The 40 hectares of vineyard land within the city limits include historic sites such as Schreck, Wachtberg, Weinzierlberg, and Grillenparz. Each year, the potential of these vineyards is captured in bottles, reflecting their unique terroir.
Under the leadership of Fritz Miesbauer since 2003, the Weingut Stadt Krems team focuses primarily on the Grüner Veltliner and Riesling varieties. These wines tell the story of their origin, the character of the region, and the individuality of the grape varieties. Authenticity is paramount, and each wine has its distinct flavor.
Sustainable Practices
The goal of producing pure terroir wines can only be achieved through sustainable practices. Every step in the process is considered with the next step in mind. This commitment to sustainability is certified by Nachhaltig Austria, a certification ensuring sustainable practices in viticulture. The winery also focuses on preserving biodiversity in the vineyard and avoids the use of herbicides and insecticides.
The terroir can only be optimized and captured where it exists: in the vineyard itself. This optimization is more about careful maintenance than alteration. Gentle pruning, natural humus buildup, and meticulous foliage management are key to minimizing the need for selective harvesting. With healthy grapes, minimal intervention is needed in the cellar. Purism, in this context, means reducing processes to the essentials. Nature's laws support the wine development, reducing the need for additional steps.
Optimal ripeness of the grapes, selection of healthy harvest, maceration periods, and long aging on fine lees allow the winery to capture the unique characteristics of its vineyards. Through these practices, Weingut Stadt Krems continues to produce wines that are a true expression of their origin and heritage.
Wine Tasting
Below vintages were selected for their outstanding expression of the terroir and varietal characteristics, which exemplify the winery's commitment to quality and authenticity.
- Riesling Kremstal DAC Ried Schreck 1ÖTW (2022): A versatile wine. On the nose, bouquet is underpinned with mineral notes. Lime honey blossom adds a delicate sweetness, intertwined with some orange peel that brings a zesty, citrus edge. The nose further reveals layers of ripe tropical fruit and apricot notes. On the palate, this wine is juicy and elegant, with a fine acid structure. The acidity is well-balanced, contributing to the wine’s overall elegance and drink-ability.
- Riesling Kremstal DAC Ried Grillenparz 1ÖTW (2022): A harmonious blend of floral, fruity, and mineral elements. On the nose, it reveals a fine honey blossom aroma, which immediately sets a tone of delicate sweetness. This is beautifully complemented by delicate saffron and mango notes, adding a touch of exotic spice. Upon tasting, the wine is juicy and complex, displaying a fresh and lively character that dances on the tongue. The multi-faceted acidic structure is immediately noticeable, continuing into a salty and mineral aftertaste.
- Grüner Veltliner Kremser Ried Wachtberg 1ÖTW (2022): An elegant and refined vintage. On the nose, it offers a delicate honey blossom aroma that brings a subtle sweetness, seamlessly blended with the exotic allure of passion fruit. Some mango adds a richer tropical note. On the palate, the acidity is well-balanced and provides a solid framework that supports the wine's other flavors. Mineral-salty notes are present, contributing to a savory edge that enhances its complexity.
Each vintage offers a distinct balance of freshness, minerality, and fruit intensity, making them exemplary representations of the region's winemaking potential.
Conclusion
With roots dating back to 1452, Weingut Stadt Krems stands as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of Krems an der Donau. As one of the oldest continuously operating wineries globally, its legacy is upheld through sustainable practices and a commitment to authenticity.