Region Of The Week: Niederösterreich
Austria’s largest wine region, Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) spans across 27,000 hectares with various terrains, including rolling hills, expansive plains, steep terraces, and lush valleys. With a climate just as dynamic as its landscape, Niederösterreich is made up of a bunch of microclimates with varying influences of continental, moderate, and Pannonian climates, although they can be divided into three distinct zones. Niederösterreich’s vast landscape and abundance of climates make it the perfect place to cultivate Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s main grape, and Riesling. They also produce Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch, Spätburgunder, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, and Sankt Laurent.
Niederösterreich is divided into eight sub-regions. Nestled between the Danube River and Neusiedlersee Lake, Carnuntum is both rich in history and delightful red and white wines. Kamptal, named after Kamp River which runs through the region, is Austria’s largest wine-producing region with plenty of outstanding wine producers. Situated along the banks of Krems River, Kremstal is covered in huge loess terraces making it an ideal place to cultivate grapes. The Thermenregion is full of rolling hills, tranquil valleys, and warm thermal springs producing native varietals like Zierfandler and Rotgipfler.
One of the youngest wine-growing regions in Austria, Traisental has fertile soil and a diverse terroir due to the Traisen River that runs through the valley. Located along the Danube River, Wachau has steeply terraced vineyards, with vines clinging to the sides of the Danube Valley, helping to expose them to the sun. The vineyards in Wagram are divided into two distinctive zones, stretching north and south of the Danube. Lastly, Weinviertel is Niederösterreich’s largest wine-growing region spanning across 14,000 hectares of rolling hills and expansive plains.
