Lower-Austria

Great wines along the Danube Niederösterreich is Austria's largest quality-wine-growing area. This designation stands for a big variety of different wine styles of international and indigenous grape varieties. There are eight specific wine-growing regions in Niederösterreich. These can be divided into three major climatic zones: the Weinviertel in the north, the region along the river Danube, with its adjoining valleys to the west of Vienna, and the warmer Pannonian part in the south-east of Niederösterreich. Along the Danube, passing their tributaries, are picturesque wine villages lined like pearls on a necklace. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the flaghship wines of this area with both varietiesdisplaying their regional typicity also in Kremstal DAC, Kamptal DAC and Traisental DAC. The steep crystalline slopes of the Wachau evolve into loess terraces towards the eastern part of the adjacent Kremstal, which also form the character of the wines particularly in Wagram, where Roter Veltliner has become another regional asset alongside Grüner Veltliner. In Kamptal, the wines contain a distinctive touch, particularly on the Heiligenstein, with its conglomerate and carbonate-free soil. Pannonian Niederösterreich refers to the region situated south and east of Vienna, and is home to some of Austria's most exciting and outstanding red wines. Both Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch thrive in Carnuntum and St. Laurent is the speciality in the Thermenregion. Yet there is much more on offer, with regional white wine specialities Zierfandler and Rotgipfler flourishing around the wine town of Gumpoldskirchen, and Pinot Noir as well as modern blends are becoming increasingly important.