Large winegrowers' cooperative in the Wachau winegrowing region based in Dürnstein(Lower Austria), which was founded in 1938 under the name "Winzergenossenschaft Wachau" by purchasing the former Starhemberg family vineyard. It was then renamed "Freie Weingärtner Wachau" in 1990 and has been operating under the new name "Domäne Wachau" since 2008. Johann Martin was elected as the new chairman at the 2009 general meeting. The managing director is Roman Horvath (Master of Wine). Heinz Frischengruber is responsible for oenology.
Operating philosophy
Domäne Wachau endeavours to ensure that its wines have the most authentic character of origin possible. The Wachau and the vineyards should be expressed precisely and clearly. Long and stable fruit is also important, which then develops into complex notes of maturity after a few years in appropriately high-quality wines. The long storage life of selected Smaragd wines is an explicit goal in the winemaking process. The entire production process is carried out according to the certified, sustainable criteria of Nachhaltig Austria .
Vineyards & winegrowers
Around 250 member companies cultivate 440 hectares, which is around a third of the Wachau area. These are bound by three-year contracts. The vineyards must be cultivated in accordance with the aforementioned ecological, economic and social criteria. A bonus system has been created for the members. Great importance is attached to training, transfer of expertise and intensive personal contact. Grape suppliers who ensure extra quality in the vineyards receive special surcharges on grape prices as an incentive, depending on the location.
In 2018, a new building for grape reception and vinification was put into operation under the terraces of the Kellerberg vineyard. The hand-picked grapes, which are selected according to grape variety, vineyard and degree of ripeness, are gently processed on four levels using gravity. The pneumatic presses can also process small batches for microvinifications. The vinification process is completed under perfect climatic conditions.
Kellerschlössl
The famous "Kellerschlössel" was commissioned by Hieronymus Übelbacher (1674-1740), provost of Dürnstein Abbey, and completed by Jakob Prandtauer (1660-1726), the creator of Melk Abbey, in 1715. Beneath the Kellerschlössel is the huge natural cellar dug in 1693. This baroque jewel lies at the foot of the top vineyard Kellerberg, the "local mountain" of Domäne Wachau. Historic meetings took place here in 1955.
The then Austrian Foreign Minister Leopold Figl (1902-1965) had access with his own key and often invited high-ranking politicians and diplomats to night-time negotiations in the run-up to the signing of the Austrian State Treaty. According to contemporary witnesses, the wines enjoyed here, such as "Dürnsteiner Katzensprung", contributed to its success. In 2005, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the State Treaty, the "Wachauer Katzensprung", which was served at the banquet, was revived. The portfolio also includes the branded wine "Wachauer Himmelstiege".
Grape varieties & vineyards
Over 90% of the wines produced are white. Grüner Veltliner is the leading variety, accounting for two thirds. The other varieties are Riesling (17%), Müller-Thurgau, Neuburger, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Muskateller, Zweigelt (6%), Pinot Noir and St. Laurent. The grapes come from the best vineyards in the Wachau, such as Achleiten, Axpoint, Bruck, Hochrain, Kaiserberg, Kellerberg, Kollmitz, Loibenberg, Pichlpoint, Setzberg, Singerriedel and Tausendeimerberg(Burgberg). The low yields of 39 to 55 hl/ha are also responsible for the top qualities. In the cellar, the non-invasive motto is "controlled inactivity" with as little intervention as possible.
Product range
Domäne Wachau was one of the founding fathers of the Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus with director Willi Schwengler in 1983, with the quality levels Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd. Top wines are the single-vineyard Smaragde from Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, as well as the sweet wines (especially Riesling TBA Kellerberg). Wines dating back to 1947 are stored in the archive. In 1999, Domäne Wachau was the first Austrian producer to be awarded the title "International Winery of the Year" by Wine & Spirit. Around 2.5 million bottles of wine are produced every year. Grüner Veltliner-brandy matures for years in small wooden barrelssmall wooden barrel in the winery's own distillery. The top product is "XA22".
Pictures: © Domäne Wachau
