The Austrian wine-growing region Kamptal has established new rules for origin wines. The Regional Wine Committee Kamptal (RWK), which represents the 550 wineries in the area, aims to sharpen the profile of the region. The following regulations will apply from 2025:
All wines labeled "Kamptal" must be certified organic or sustainable. All regional, local, or vineyard wines must comply with DAC conditions. For the first time in the history of the DAC system in Austria, the styles of these categories are also defined: Regional wines must not be influenced by botrytis or oak barrels. Local wines must reflect the character of the respective location, cooler for the upper Kamptal and warmer for the lower Kamptal. Vineyard wines may exhibit a "delicate wood tone." Furthermore, Kamptal DAC Reserve wines may only be released after a two-year aging period.
The origin is to become the central message with the new regulations - and must be at least twice as large on the label as the grape variety. Smaller geographical designations may only be used for Kamptal DAC wines. Instead of the previous 29 possibilities, twelve local wine areas have now been established, namely Langenlois, Gobelsburg, Zöbing, Kammern, Strass, Engabrunn, Grafenegg, Hadersdorf, Mittelberg, Schiltern, Schönberg, and Lengenfeld. The delineations do not correspond to political boundaries but are based on soil and climate conditions. However, it remains possible to mention other locations on the label for vineyard wines.
The grape variety spectrum has been expanded to include Burgundy varieties. According to RWK chairman Rudolf Rabl****, it is possible to produce the typical wine styles of the Kamptal with these grape varieties both as single varietals and in blends. In light of climate change, it is important to be open in this area and make adjustments. However, red wine varieties are still not permitted, as there is no majority for this in the area. As emphasized by the RWK in its press release, the new rules will primarily benefit those winemakers who focus on origin marketing. Common rules may not always be perfect for all winemakers. But all members can contribute and collaborate on further development and improvement.
(al / Source: Press Release)