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For the first time, the wines of the Wachau are presented in the new DAC system. The area protection association of the Austrian wine region, Vinea Wachau, has integrated its quality standards, which have been defined for almost 40 years, into the new origin system with the 2020 vintage. Thus, there are now regional, local and estate wines in the three maturity classes Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd.
Since the 1980s, all members of Vinea Wachau have committed themselves to producing their wine exclusively from hand-picked grapes from the region, processed and bottled in the Wachau. The naming of villages and vineyards is only permitted within the DAC regulations. For local wines and wines from vineyards, the use of wood is prohibited, and for wines from vineyards, the addition of sugar is also prohibited. Site wines can be produced independently of the alcohol content. The producers hope to provide additional orientation for consumers about the style of the wines, their ageing potential and what they can best be opened for.
(al / Photo: Herbst)