Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC

This is a form of vineyard design (also called mixed set) that was widespread and common in Europe until the 17th century. For practical reasons and to minimise risks, the grape varieties were planted together in a vineyard as a "mixed set" in order to ensure reliability and consistent quality. Therefore, varieties with different ripening times (early to late) and also different acidity levels were mixed. As a rule, up to seven varieties etc. were planted, although these naturally varied according to the wine-growing region. Typical varieties were Chasselas, Elbling, Fütterer, Hanns, Heunisch(Gouais Blanc), Müller-Thurgau, Muskateller, Neuburger, Grüner Hainer, Orléans, Österreichisch-Weiß, Weißburgunder(Pinot Blanc), Spätburgunder(Pinot Noir), Riesling, Silvaner, Traminer, Grüner Veltliner and Zierfandler. The result was often a light red wine, since red wine varieties were also included.

Mixed set means strictly speaking that the grapes are harvested, pressed and matured together, but the grapes can of course also come from different vineyards. The name is therefore not only used for the vineyard stock, but also for the finished wine. In contrast to this, a classic cuvée is made by first blending the finished fermented wines. If different varieties are fermented together, one speaks of a mixed fermentation. This form is becoming increasingly fashionable today.

In Austria, the mixed set in classical form with different varieties in one vineyard is still widespread today and accounts for about 3% of the total area under vines. The most common vineyards are in the wine-growing regions Vienna (14% of the area), Carnuntum (12%) and Wagram (11%). This results in a total of around 1,400 hectares of vineyards. The still great popularity of this type of wine in Austria is attested to by an old saying or rather apt expression: "A grape variety is a violin, but the mixed set is an orchestra"

protected designation of origin for Austria

The term "Gemischter Satz" is a traditional term protected of origin within the EU and only permitted for Austria. The wine must be a blend of different white wine varieties and up to a maximum of 15% red wine varieties (this restriction applies from 2018). It is a country wine or quality wine that has been produced by blending either grapes or macerated different grape varieties from the same wine growing region (for quality wine) or the same wine growing region (for country wine). The grapes do not have to come from the same vineyard and, in the case of country wine, not even from the same wine-growing region, which is actually contrary to the traditional definition. The term "Steirischer Mischsatz" used in Styria refers to the grape varieties.

Viennese Mixed Theorem

In the Austrian capital Vienna the typical wine served at a Heurigen is a mixed set. In order to continue the old tradition, an association has defined special guidelines for a particular type of wine. Since the 2013 vintage, the origin-controlled DAC wine Wiener Gemischter Satz has been available.

Use in other countries

In the German Franconian wine growing region there is an "Altfränkisch Gemischter Satz Anno Domini" from the Zehntgraf (Wipfeld) vineyard. The historic vineyard covers 90 hectares of vine area. This wine is made from White and Red Elbling, Green and Blue Silvaner, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat,Pinot Noir and Blue Portugieser and is vinified in the classic way in large wooden barrels. However, the term "Gemischter Satz" may only be used on the back label. Well-known traditional wines in Germany that correspond to a Gemischter Satz are the Badisch Rotgold (from the Baden wine region) and the Schillerwein (from the Württemberg wine region).

This type of vineyard is also still widespread in Italy (especially in the south) and Portugal. In France, Burgundy even has its own appellation Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grain for it.

further information

All aids, work and measures in the vineyard during the vegetation cycle can be found under the keyword vineyard care. Complete lists of the numerous vinification measures or cellar techniques, as well as the various types of wine, sparkling wine and distillate regulated by wine law are included under the keyword vinification. Comprehensive information on wine law can be found under the keyword wine law.

Grapes: from adege on Pixabay
Orchestra: from 윤재 손 on Pixabay