Wagram

Wagram wine: a delight from Austria's unique wine region

The Wagram wine region, located in Lower Austria, is known for its characterful wines, which are shaped by the interplay of fertile loess soils and a favourable climate. Its proximity to the federal capital Vienna and its location along the Danube, in the so-called Danube Land, make the region particularly attractive. The Grüner Veltliner and Roter Veltliner wines are particularly noteworthy, as they find ideal conditions here.

Introduction to the Wagram region

The Wagram region is an important wine-growing area in Austria, characterised by its diverse wines and unique geology. North of the Danube and east of the Kamptal valley, the region covers a vineyard area of around 2,500 hectares. The Wagram is a mighty escarpment that stretches about 30 kilometres to the east and offers an impressive variety of wine villages and grape varieties.

The region is particularly well known for Grüner Veltliner, one of Austria's most famous wines, and Roter Veltliner, an indigenous variety. These grape varieties find ideal conditions here and contribute to the uniqueness of Wagram wines. The region offers a wide range of wines, from dry white wines to characterful red wines, and is a paradise for wine lovers looking for a mineral aroma.

Wagram wine: a region with character

The Wagram region stretches along a striking escarpment north of the Danube, from Krems to Klosterneuburg, bordering the Kamptal to the east. The area extends on both sides of the Danube, with the northern side particularly known for wine growing. The loess layer, which is up to 40 metres thick and a remnant of the Ice Age, provides the vines with nutrient-rich, water-retaining soil. The climate is influenced by the Pannonian climate, with warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to ripen evenly.

Grüner Veltliner: The leading variety of the Wagram

Grüner Veltliner dominates the vineyards of the Wagram, accounting for around 54% of the vineyard area. The wines are characterised by fresh acidity, fruity aromas and a distinctive spiciness. The soils contain around 30% lime, which gives the wines a special minerality. Depending on the vinification, they vary from light and lively to powerful and complex.

Roter Veltliner: an indigenous speciality

Roter Veltliner, a long-established grape variety, finds ideal conditions in Wagram. The wines are rich in extract, with aromas of ripe fruit and a pleasant structure. The wines are characterised by a full-bodied texture and a harmonious melt. They are excellent accompaniments to strong dishes and have good ageing potential.

Other grape varieties: diversity in the glass

In addition to Veltliners, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown in the Wagram region. The region is particularly known for its crisp white wines, which are characterised by the Pannonian climate and loess soils. Zweigelt and Pinot Noir are the red wines of choice, developing their specific characteristics on the region's diverse soils.

Geology and climate: the natural conditions

The Wagram region is characterised by an impressive variety of rocks and soils, with loess being the dominant soil type. Loess is a light, fine-grained mixture of clay and silt particles that not only stores water excellently, but also allows the roots of the vines to grow up to 15 metres deep. These deep roots contribute significantly to the minerality and complexity of the wines.

The Pannonian climate of the region, with its warm days and cool nights, promotes balanced ripening of the grapes and results in ripe, fruity and spicy wines. The Danube, which flows through the region, has shifted its bed southwards over thousands of years, covering the soil with loess, which has created the unique conditions for viticulture in the Wagram region. These geological and climatic conditions provide ideal conditions for growing grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Pinot Noir.

Wagram DAC: Origin with profile

Since 2021, the region has been awarded the Wagram DAC designation of origin. Wines under this classification must meet certain criteria, such as single-varietal production and a dry style without dominant wood influence. The DAC classification is divided into regional wine, local wine and single-vineyard wine, the latter coming from specific individual vineyards and particularly influenced by the terroir. The Wagram DAC pyramid of origin distinguishes between regional wine, local wine and single vineyard wine, with the single vineyard wines at the top.

Wine and food: harmonious combinations

Wagram wines are versatile accompaniments to food. A Grüner Veltliner goes well with fish dishes, white meat or Asian cuisine. Roter Veltliner harmonises with strong dishes such as game or mature cheese. Wagram wines are characterised by an exotic richness that goes particularly well with strong dishes. Riesling is well suited to spicy or sweet-and-sour dishes, while Zweigelt and Pinot Noir go well with grilled meat or pasta with tomato sauce.

Culinary tips: Perfect accompaniments to Wagram wine

The wines of the Wagram region are ideal for a variety of culinary experiences, from classic Austrian dishes to modern creations. Grüner Veltliner is a perfect accompaniment to traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Fleischlaberl, while Roter Veltliner goes well with hearty dishes such as game or lamb.

Local products such as cheese, bread and fruit also harmonise wonderfully with the wines of the Wagram region. The region also offers a variety of culinary events and festivals, such as the Wagram Wine Spring, which attracts visitors from all over the world and offers the opportunity to enjoy the wines and regional cuisine to the fullest.

The wines of the Wagram region are an important part of Austrian cuisine and offer a unique opportunity to experience the region and its products. Whether for a cosy dinner or a festive occasion, wines from the Wagram region are always a treat.

Winegrowers and wineries: tradition and innovation

The region is home to numerous renowned wineries that rely on both traditional methods and modern techniques. Many winemakers value sustainable cultivation and biodynamic principles. The region's vineyards are characterised by different soil types, which contribute to the diversity and quality of the wines, reflecting their quality and authenticity.

Wagramer Wine Route: a route of indulgence along the Danube

The Wagramer Wine Route leads through the most beautiful wine villages in the region and offers numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments and tastings. Along the route, visitors can discover the diversity of the wines and experience the hospitality of the winemakers. A visit to the Weritas regional wine shop offers the opportunity to discover the diversity and quality of the wines typical of the region.

Sustainability in viticulture: responsibility for the future

Many wineries in Wagram are committed to environmentally friendly practices, such as avoiding chemical pesticides and promoting biodiversity. These approaches are an important part of sustainable viticulture in the region. They contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the production of high-quality wines.

Vintage diversity: an expression of the terroir

Each vintage brings its own challenges and characteristics, which are reflected in the wines. The winemakers of Wagram know how to bring out the characteristics of each vintage and thus produce authentic wines.

Storage and ageing: patience is rewarded

Many wines from the Wagram, especially the reserve qualities, benefit from a certain amount of storage time. Maturation allows them to develop additional aromas and a harmonious structure.

Education and research: centre for wine knowledge

Klosterneuburg is home to one of Austria's most renowned viticulture schools, the Higher Federal School for Viticulture and Fruit Growing. The viticulture school in Klosterneuburg plays a central role in the training of winemakers and in research into viticulture. It plays an important role in the training of winemakers and in research into viticulture.

Future prospects: innovation and quality

The winemakers of Wagram are constantly working to further develop their wines, whether through new cultivation methods, the use of modern technologies or the development of new markets. Innovation and quality are always at the forefront. The focus remains on quality and authenticity.

Wagram DAC: A seal of quality for origin and quality

The introduction of Wagram DAC has further strengthened the importance of the origin and quality of the wines. Clear guidelines and strict controls ensure that the wines meet high standards and reflect the typical characteristics of the region. Place and vineyard names may only be used in conjunction with the designation of origin ‘Wagram’.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about wines from Wagram

What makes wines from Wagram so special?

Wines from Wagram are characterised by fruity aromas, balanced acidity and a distinctive spiciness. These wines leave you wanting more and delight wine lovers around the world, especially when it comes to Grüner Veltliner.

Which grape varieties are particularly common in Wagram?

In addition to the dominant Grüner Veltliner, Roter Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir are also represented. St. Laurent is also an important red wine variety in the region.

What does the designation Wagram DAC mean?

Wagram DAC stands for Districtus Austriae Controllatus and identifies wines that meet certain quality and origin criteria. The vintage year must be indicated.

How should wines from Wagram be stored?

Wines should be stored in a cool, dark place and laid flat. Some wines, especially reserve qualities, benefit from longer storage.

Where can you buy wines from Wagram?

Wines from Wagram are available directly from the wineries, in specialised shops and in selected online shops.