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The Weinviertel is Austria's largest wine-growing region. It is located in the north-east of the country in the province of Lower Austria and borders the Czech Republic to the north and Slovakia to the east. It is bordered to the west by the Waldviertel and to the south - from west to east - by the wine-growing regions of Kamptal, Wagram, Vienna and Carnuntum. Around 13,350 hectares are planted with vines in the Weinviertel, almost half of them with Grüner Veltliner. The white grape can thus be considered the showcase grape variety of the region. In addition, Welschriesling, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Pinot Blanc as well as Zweigelt, Portugieser and Pinot Noir are cultivated.

According to the climatic and geological conditions, the Weinviertel can be divided into three parts. In the western part are the wine-growing villages of Retz, Röschitz and Mailberg as well as the Pulka Valley with Jetzelsdorf and Haugsdorf. The climate is continental with dry summers and cold winters, the soils are dominated by loess. In the basin location of Mailberg and in the vineyards along the Pulkau, red grapes such as Zweigelt and Portugieser thrive in particular, while around Röschitz, white vines such as Grüner Veltliner and Riesling grow primarily on primary rock soils.

The Weinviertel wine-growing region (source: ÖWM)

From the north-east around Poysdorf come Veltliner, Welschriesling and Burgundy, which are also characterised by loess and a continental climate. In the area around Staatz and Falkenstein, calcareous soils provide a mineral character to the wines. Herrnbaumgarten and Schrattenberg, with their basin location, are particularly suitable for red wine varieties.

In the southeast, the Weinviertel vineyards on the Bisamberg reach as far as the city limits of Vienna. Here, mainly Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, but also numerous other white and red varieties are grown on loess and clay soils. Other important wine-growing communities in the eastern Weinviertel are Wolkersdorf, Mannersdorf and Zistersdorf; the Marchfeld extends south of Gänserndorf. On the border with Slovakia, the Pannonian climate with warm, dry summers and cold, equally dry winters is noticeable. The border river March provides a microclimate that allows Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Burgundy grapes as well as bouquet varieties such as Traminer to ripen well.

The Mailberg valley basin in the western Weinviertel (Source: ÖWM / Gerhard Trumler

"Weinviertel DAC" was the first controlled designation of origin for Austrian wines in 2002, followed by "Weinviertel DAC Reserve" for the region in 2009. Only dry Grüner Veltliner typical of the region may bear both designations. The classic variety is characterised by fruity, spicy and peppery aromas and must not show any botrytis or woody notes. Reserve wines are strong and spicy with at least 13 percent alcohol by volume and may have a delicate botrytis and/or wood note.

The Weinviertel also offers numerous tourist opportunities to get to know the landscape and its wines. At the "Poysdorf Wine Parade" on 18 May 2013, the winning wines of this largest regional presentation of growths from the Weinviertel, the Czech Republic and Slovakia can be tasted from 1 pm. A jury of state-certified tasters will evaluate almost 1,000 submitted wines according to the international point system, award gold and silver medals and present the best growths with the Bacchus Prize. A day ticket for the Wine Parade costs 12 euros(www.weinparade.at).

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In Retz, there are extensive cellar complexes under the old town to visit. From 30 May to 9 June 2013, the "Retz Wine Week" will take place, during which 700 wines from the western Weinviertel will be available for tasting in the ambience of the Sparkassengarten. There will also be culinary delights and musical entertainment(www.retzer-weinwoche.at).

"Tracht or Trash" is the motto of a wine party on 15 July 2013 at the Werft Korneuburg. Guests (aged 18 and over) can turn up in dirndl, lederhosen or trash outfit and taste the latest Weinviertel DAC wines from over 40 vintners. In addition, "Darius & Finlay", whose hit single "Do It All Night" made it to the top of the Austrian charts in 2012, will provide the atmosphere. Admission is from 8 pm, start at 9 pm, tickets cost 15 euros at the box office and 12 euros in advance(www.weinvierteldac.at).

On 20 July 2013 Poysdorf invites you to the "Summer Enjoyment Festival", which also focuses on the wines of the Weinviertel DAC. In addition to Weinviertel specialities, there will be wines and delicacies from Franconia and the Czech South Moravia to taste. Admission to the gourmet event in Poysdorf's Gstetten is free(www.weinvierteldac.at).

View of Poysdorf in the north-eastern Weinviertel (Source: ÖWM / Weinkomitee Weinviertel% Haiden Baumann)

From 27 April to 3 November 2013, Poysdorf and Asparn an der Zaya are the venues of the Lower Austrian Provincial Exhibition "Bread & Wine", which is also supported by numerous municipalities and museums in the eastern Weinviertel(www.noe-landesausstellung.at). The history of bread is presented at the Museum of Prehistory of Lower Austria in Asparn an der Zaya, and visitors can learn interesting facts about wine and its culture in Poysdorf. In the context of the Provincial Exhibition, a large number of events will take place, which are compiled on the Internet: Events NÖ-Landesausstellung.

Those interested can also obtain further information on how to experience the wines of the Weinviertel from the Regional Wine Committee Weinviertel (telephone: +43 2245 82666, internet: www.weinvierteldac.at and www.facebook.com/weinvierteldac) and the marketing organisation Weinviertel Tourismus (telephone: +43 2552 3515, internet: www.weinviertel.at).

All recommended producers from the Weinviertel in the wine guide

All currently tasted Weinviertel DAC in the wine guide

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