Weinviertel

This vast and mighty wine-growing area sprawls from the Danube in the south to the Czech border in the north, and from the Manhartsberg in the west to the border of Slovakia in the east. The area's most important grape is Grüner Veltliner - a true star varietal that, from the 8, 500 vineyard hectares in which it grows, reveals a typical pfefferl, or peppery character. A distinctive fruit bouquet and fresh acidity come through as well. This specific wine character is expressed through the first Austrian controlled designation of origin (DAC), which was established in 2002. Indeed, the Weinviertel DAC is the pioneer of Austrian origin marketing.

Growing next to Grüner Veltliner in the area around the wine town of Wolkersdorf is Weissburgunder, or Pinot blanc. Another white wine variety, Riesling, is at home on the slopes of the Bisamberg. And in Mannersdorf an der March are the best conditions for the Riesling, Burgundy and Traminer varieties, thanks to the influence of the Pannonian climate. The winemakers in the northeastern part of the Weinviertel, particularly around the town of Poysdorf, produce mainly Welschriesling and Grüner Veltliner. At the area's northern border, Falkenstein is a focal point for fruit-driven white wines. Between Retz and Röschitz, in western Weinviertel, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling yield mineral finesse and a deep spiciness. The red wine island of Haugsdorf is, because of its dry climate, the ideal location for the rich, fruity Zweigelt and Blauer Portugieser.

The most famous winemakers are: Ebner-Ebenauer, Pfaffl, Weinrieder, Herbert Zillinger, Zull and Zuschmann-Schöfmann.