ÖTW

ÖTW: Pioneering Vineyard Classification in Austria

On June 10, 1991, the founding general assembly of the association "Österreichische Traditionsweingüter" (ÖTW) took place at Kloster Und in Krems an der Donau.

The association was established at the initiative of several prominent winegrowers from the Kamptal and Kremstal regions.

Among them were winemakers Wilhelm ("Willi") Bründlmayer, Ludwig Hiedler, and Karl Jurtschitsch from Langenlois, Peter Dolle from Straß im Straßertale, Gerald Malat from Furth bei Göttweig, Josef Mantler from Gedersdorf near Krems, Erich Salomon from Stein an der Donau, and Kurt Körbler, the head of the municipal winery of Krems. During a meeting on January 9, 1991, at the Ursin Haus in Langenlois, these individuals had laid the foundational principles for the establishment of the association. A rough concept for a vineyard classification system was already outlined during this meeting. The aim of classifying vineyard sites has been the central focus of the association since its inception.

ÖTW Membership

At the time of its founding in June 1991, the ÖTW comprised 18 member wineries, all from the Kamptal and Kremstal regions. The name "Österreichische Traditionsweingüter" was chosen to avoid limiting the association to a specific area, thus allowing future membership from other Austrian wine regions. In the first decade of its existence, the association saw few changes in membership within Kamptal and Kremstal. In the early 2000s, wineries from the Traisental and Wagram regions joined the association.

From 1991 to 2001, the number of member wineries grew from 18 to 24 and further to 30 by 2010. By 2023, the ÖTW counted 78 member wineries. In 2018, the association expanded its structure with the creation of the umbrella organization "Bundesverband Österreichische Traditionsweingüter" and the regional association ÖTW.Donau, which included the sub-regions ÖTW.Kamptal, ÖTW.Kremstal, ÖTW.Traisental, and ÖTW.Wagram. New regional associations, ÖTW.Wien and ÖTW.Carnuntum, were added. In 2021, the ÖTW expanded to include the Thermenregion, and in 2024, the Weinviertel region joined.

The headquarters of the Bundesverband Österreichische Traditionsweingüter is located at Kloster Und in Krems an der Donau. Since 2024, Michael Tischler-Zimmermann has served as the Managing Director of the ÖTW. From the beginning, the ÖTW has been working on classifying their vineyard sites. Initially, they established the categories "Klassifizierte Lage" and "Erste Lage," with "Große Erste Lage" to be introduced later. A long-term goal, envisioned since the founding phase, was to incorporate the classification into Austrian wine law.

In August 1991, criteria for classification were defined, and the ÖTW members began classifying specific sites. Wines from "Klassifizierte Lage" could include white, red, and rosé varieties, while "Erste Lage" was reserved for white wines only. However, due to legal restrictions on labeling, the ÖTW could no longer use these terms from the 1994 vintage on-wards. Consequently, the association focused more on other activities, particularly joint events.

Despite this setback, the association continued to pursue its primary goal of establishing vineyard classifications. In 2010, with the 2009 vintage, they succeeded in aligning their classification labeling with wine law, introducing the "ÖTW Erste Lage" designation. A "ÖTW Große Lage" designation is planned for future implementation. Since then, the "Erste Lagen" of the ÖTW have been marked with the "1ÖTW" logo on labels and bottle necks.

For the ÖTW vineyard classification, various relevance criteria were established in 2010. These include "Content Relevance Criteria" (such as historical significance or homogeneity of geology and location), "Economic Relevance Criteria" (such as the average market price of wines from a specific site), and "Qualitative Relevance Criteria" (such as wine rankings in expert evaluations or continuity parameters). All ÖTW wineries must be certified with either the Austrian sustainability seal "Nachhaltig Austria," the minimum standard EU organic seal "Biological Grape Production," or an equivalent certification. Additionally, there is a ban on herbicides and insecticides for ÖTW vineyards, and the maximum yield for 1ÖTW sites is 60 hectoliters per hectare. Grapes for wines labeled 1ÖTW must be hand-picked, and the must must be natural, without concentration.

Furthermore, wines labeled 1ÖTW must meet specific aging requirements: white wines from ÖTW Erste Lagen cannot be marketed before September of the year following the harvest, and red wines from ÖTW Erste Lagen cannot be marketed before September of the second year after the harvest.

1ÖTW Wine Tasting

We selected few Grüner Veltliners to showcase their exceptional complexity, vibrant character, and profound reflection of terroir, and vintages classified as 1ÖTW. Both wines exemplify how the unique environmental factors of Austria’s premier vineyard sites influence their flavor profiles, showcasing the elegance and dynamic character inherent to these regions.

  • Weingut Steininger, Grüner Veltliner Ried Kogelberg Terrassen Kamptal DAC Reserve 1ÖTW 2022: This wine boasts a complex and refined bouquet, characterized by fresh and vibrant fruit notes. Expect aromas of ripe apples, pears, and a hint of citrus, layered with subtle floral and herbal nuances. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, the flavors mirror the nose, with crisp apple and pear notes mingling with hints of citrus and delicate herbs. The wine’s structure is well-defined, supported by a fine acidity that brings freshness and vitality.
Gr Veltliner KOGELBERG-TERRASSEN-mit-ÖTW

  • Weingut Nigl, Grüner Veltliner Ried Pellingen Privat 1ÖTW (2022) (Kremstal) welcomed us with an enticing bouquet. The nose was alive with the essence of yellow fruits, notably crisp apple and succulent pear, intertwining with delicate tropical notes that hinted at a sun-drenched paradise. As the wine caressed our palates, it unveiled its true character with grace and finesse. The initial impression was one of sheer pleasure, as the wine enveloped the senses with a lively freshness that danced across the tongue. Vibrant and invigorating, it awakened the taste buds with a symphony of flavors that mirrored the aromas encountered on the nose.

Conclusion

The ÖTW, or Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (Austrian Traditional Winemakers), stands as a pivotal organization within Austria's wine industry. 

In essence, the ÖTW's primary objective goes beyond the mere categorization of vineyards; it aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Austria's rich winemaking heritage and the diverse terroirs that define its wines. Through its efforts, the ÖTW contributes to the preservation of tradition, the promotion of quality, and the elevation of Austria's position on the global wine stage.

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