Kremstal DAC
The Kremstal strengthens its character of origin
Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the leading varieties in the Kremstal valley. They represent over 70% of the wines submitted for the test number. That is why the sales name Kremstal DACwas also set up for these two grape varieties. According to the wine law, the wine must be monovarietal. A Kremstal is therefore either a Riesling or a Grüner Veltliner. The sales designation Kremstal DAC may only bear wines that come from Kremstal vineyards and have been vinified and bottled in the Kremstal.
Origin counts more
It is the same in French Burgundy and in many other renowned wine-growing regions: the smallest origin, i.e. the location – or in Austria: the vineyard – is of the greatest importance. Using this appellation system as a model, the Kremstal, Kamptal and Traisental wine-growing regions started discussing the existing regulations for their Grüner Veltliner and Riesling Kremstal DAC, Kamptal DAC or Traisental DAC wines a few years ago.
As a result of the long process, a three-tier system has now been enshrined in the regulations. According to this, vintners from the 2016 vintage can submit their wines in the categories regional wine, local wine and vineyard wine to the test number. The respective category should be immediately recognizable on the front label: A regional wine is then simply called Kremstal, a local wine Stein, a vineyard wine Wachtberg. There are still some large vineyards between local and single vineyards, such as Kaiserstiege, Sandgrube or Göttweiger Berg.
What is also new is that there are lower limits for alcohol, but no longer upper limits. This rules out that a wine has to be marketed under “Lower Austria” due to excessive alcohol. Reserve wines are still on the market, but only differ from the other DAC wines in terms of the date of publication and not in terms of alcohol content. Reserves can only be submitted for the verification number from July 1st. The term “reserve” is therefore only an additional designation and no longer represents a separate category. In order to avoid confusing vineyards with brand names, the amendment to the 2009 Wine Act stipulates that the word “Ried” must appear in front of the name of the vineyard on the label for wines with vineyards.
With the three-tier area – location – vineyard in the appellation system, explanations are now much easier, especially in the international area, where the system has already been learned. But awareness of origins is also growing in Austria. Critical consumers want to know where the origin of the purchased product lies and are grateful for a clear regulation. With the new ordinances, the vineyards (sites) are given more attention and value.
As pictures you can see the now valid “pyramid” and sample labels, as they could look very soon in the Kremstal.