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Why We Like Wines from Domäne Wachau

Domäne Wachau is synonymous with exceptional quality and a deep connection to the terroir of Austria's Wachau Valley.

At Domäne Wachau, the philosophy is simple yet profound: to craft wines that are true expressions of their terroir. Under the leadership of Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber, the winery emphasizes craftsmanship, precision, and sustainability.

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In close partnership with their vignerons, respect for nature and the soil dominates the hard work in the steep terraced vineyards. With over 150 hectares of organic vineyards, Domäne Wachau is Austria's leading wine estate with organically cultivated vines.

The vineyards are organized into small parcels and worked mainly by hand, allowing each vigneron to focus on the needs of their individual plot. This artisanal approach ensures that each wine reflects its unique origins, delivering a distinctive puristic style with both depth and freshness. Domäne Wachau is a next-generation wine cooperative, unlike any other on Earth.

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Wine Tasting

In selecting wines from this prestigious estate, we sought to highlight the diversity and excellence of their portfolio. Each wine chosen represents a different aspect of Domäne Wachau's viticultural and winemaking prowess, providing a comprehensive taste of what makes this winery a standout. Here’s why we specifically selected the Rosé Reserve 1805, Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2023 Ried Kirnberg, and Riesling Smaragd 2022 Ried Brandstatt.

Rosé Reserve 1805

Domäne Wachau Rose Reserve 1805

A Symbol of Elegance and Complexity The Rosé Reserve 1805 stands out for its unique blend of Pinot Noir and Blauer Zweigelt. This choice reflects our desire to showcase a rosé that is not only refreshing but also complex and structured. The grapes are sourced from diverse terroirs on both banks of the Danube, which adds layers of flavor and nuance to the wine.

Its balance of spicy and intense fruit aromas with a powerful yet elegant palate makes it a versatile wine, perfect for both casual sipping and gourmet pairings. Open and multi-layered on the nose, offering a complex bouquet with spicy and intense fruit aromas. Very structured and powerful, yet elegant and refreshing. This wine boasts a pronounced, complex body and a long finish.

Hand-harvested and spontaneously fermented, the Rosé Reserve 1805 is aged in used small oak barrels, adding layers of complexity. This careful process ensures that only the finest grapes contribute to the final product.

Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2023 Ried Kirnberg

Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Kirnberg

Showcasing the Grüner Veltliner Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature grape, and the Smaragd designation represents the pinnacle of this variety. The 2023 Ried Kirnberg is an elegant and juicy example, with fine spice and minerality that are hallmarks of the Kirnberg vineyard. We chose this wine to highlight Domäne Wachau’s expertise in crafting top-tier Grüner Veltliner, demonstrating how this grape can express both power and finesse.

Grüner Veltliner from Kirnberg is always elegant and juicy, with fine spice and minerality. It is subtle and complex on the nose with aromas of yellow apple, grapefruit, and white pepper. On the palate, it is lively and approachable with refreshing acidity and a long, refined, mineral-spicy finish. The term "Smaragd" denotes dry, dense, and complex wines of the Wachau, known for their structure, depth, and excellent storage potential.

Exceptional Terroir and Vintage The unique terroir of the Kirnberg vineyard, with its paragneiss and high plateau location, contributes to the wine's distinctive character. The 2023 vintage, with its balanced growing season, produced grapes of exceptional quality. This wine is a perfect representation of how specific vineyard conditions and meticulous winemaking can produce a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of aging gracefully.

Riesling Smaragd 2022 Ried Brandstatt

Domäne Wachau Riesling Smaragd Ried Brandstatt

A Testament to Terroir and Tradition Riesling from the Ried Brandstatt vineyard is renowned for its bracing acidity and vibrant structure. This selection emphasizes the importance of terroir, with the vineyard's steep slopes and granodiorite gneiss soils imparting a unique minerality and complexity to the wine. By choosing this Riesling, we aim to showcase a wine that embodies the Wachau's traditional winemaking and the distinctiveness of its microclimates.

Riesling from Ried Brandstatt is known for its bracing acidity and lively structure. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe stone fruit, citrus, and herbs. The palate is fresh and precise, reflecting the cool climate and elevated vineyards. The body is deep and compact, with a vertical and juicy finish. Smaragd wines are dry, dense, and complex, with excellent aging potential.

Versatility and Culinary Harmony The 2022 vintage of Riesling Smaragd Ried Brandstatt offers a wine with tremendous energy and tension, making it an ideal companion for a wide range of cuisines. Its ability to pair well with Austrian, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes highlights its versatility. This selection underscores our commitment to offering wines that not only excel on their own but also enhance the dining experience.

Conclusion

In selecting the Rosé Reserve 1805, Grüner Veltliner Smaragd 2023 Ried Kirnberg, and Riesling Smaragd 2022 Ried Brandstatt from Domäne Wachau, we sought to present wines that epitomize the excellence and diversity of this historic estate. These wines are not just beverages but expressions of a rich winemaking heritage that we are proud to share. 

Domäne Wachau has been honored as the Falstaff Winemaker of the Year 2024, a prestigious accolade that underscores their dedication to excellence and innovation in winemaking. This recognition solidifies Domäne Wachau’s position as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts from around the world.

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