A Tale Of Rieslings, Grüner Veltliners and Apricots

Austria’s iconic Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, is not only home to some of the most charming towns and villages but also stunning scenic views and lush vineyards.

The Wachau, long a haven for cycling enthusiasts, has become one of the world’s most exciting wine destinations – along with France, Italy, Portugal, Germany and South Africa. Stretching along the Danube between the legendary Austrian towns of Melk and Krems, the region specializes in dry, white wines that are among the best white wines in the world.

The most famous of these wines are made most commonly from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes; however, Chardonnay, Neuburger, Gelber Muskateller, Pinot blanc, Traminer and Sauvignon blanc are varieties which are grown here too.

Perhaps you only know Rieslings from Germany or France. Or you think of Grüner Veltliners as a wine only Austrians drink — although the wine has been rising in popularity as enthusiasts from across the globe discover its complexities and special flavor? The wines from the Wachau are like no others.

The terroir and grapes of the Wachau truly define the essence of its wine. And while the steep terraced vineyards and cool climate may be reminiscent of those that grow along the Rhine, Wachau wines are utterly unique. So much so that the wines even utilize their own classification system, designed only for the Wachau.

These three classification levels include Steinfeder for wines up to 11.5% alcohol level, Federspiel for wines between 11.5%-12.5% and Smaragd for wines with a 12.5% alcohol level or higher. (In contrast, much of the rest of Austria follows a classification system that mirrors Germany’s, which is based on must weight at harvest.) In 1983, a group of vintners united to form a trade association to both promote the wineries and protect the image and integrity of the region. Currently 200 members strong, and collectively owning more than 85% of the vineyards of the Wachau, the Vinea Wachau association follows strict rules of only utilizing white wine for production, not allowing their wines to be chaptalized or back-sweetened with süssreserve (unfermented grape must) and all wines are only sold in three sizes (standard 750 mL, 375 mL and 1.5 L magnums). All wines are also tested by members for quality assurance.

Of course, grapes aren’t the only fruit that famously grows in the Wachau Valley—as the region is equally famous for its apricots (which have received EU protection since 1996). During your visit, you’ll be tempted by everything from apricot jams and strudels, to apricot dumplings, marmalades, cakes, chutneys, juices, schnapps, brandies, and even ice creams and chocolates. Indeed, the apricot is King in this part of Austria! Each spring, roughly 100,000 apricot trees begin to bloom, adding to the region’s beauty. But if you’re looking to visit in harvest time, plan a trip for July and August for your best chance to enjoy the fruit at its freshest and most juicy. Of course, apricots can be enjoyed year-round once it’s been preserved so, really, any month is the perfect month for some apricot tastings!

Taste Wachau Valley wines on any of our Danube River cruises, including Magna on the Danube, Melodies of the Danube, Romantic Danube, Legendary Danube, Blue Danube Discovery, Grand Danube, Iconic Christmas Markets or Christmas Markets on the Danube.