winegrowing in Austria
Austria can be roughly divided into (the corresponding federal states are in brackets):
- Western Austria (Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Upper Austria and Salzburg)
- Southern Austria (Carinthia and Styria)
- Eastern Austria (Burgenland, Vienna and Lower Austria)
geology
As can be clearly seen in the map, the western, southern and central regions of Austria are particularly dominated by the Alps and are referred to as the Bergland .
However, the flatter areas along the Danube and its tributaries and the western edge of the Pannonian Basin (Hungarian Plain) have more moderate geological characteristics and are therefore more suitable for viticulture.
The following map shows these most important wine-growing regions – summarized:
- numbers 1 to 14 are the wine country
- numbers 15 to 17 are the Steirerland
Focus Kremstal
Let's take the Krems Valley as an example. The Krems rises in Upper Austria and has formed the Krems Valley over the course of thousands of years. This ends in Krems an der Donau, where - surprise - the Krems flows into the Danube. This is also where the oldest grape seed finds were found, indicating winegrowing in Austria - dating back to 3000 BC . But why is the Krems Valley so unique? The soils are made up of primary rock, loess and clay. Due to its geographical location on the edge of the Waldviertel, the Krems Valley receives cool, oxygen-rich air, especially during the ripening period. Temperature fluctuations are strong during the ripening period, which results in high humidity and autumn fog, giving the wine a unique spiciness and finesse.
Malat winery
Top wines for 300 years and ten generations: It is not without reason that the Malat family winery in the Krems Valley is one of the most renowned wineries in the country. Winemaker Michael Malat took over the family-run winery from his father 10 years ago. The Krems Valley has been shaped by winemaking for centuries and produces a special variety of wines due to the different soils and climatic influences.
“ I want to make wines that people enjoy drinking, not just tasting ,” explains Michael Malat, who is supported in the winery by his partner Daniela and the whole family, “and my personal signature should be recognizable in every wine: elegance, finesse and enjoyment of drinking!”
"The diversity of our range reflects the long tradition and potential of our region," says Michael Malat. The local wines from Furth, as an entry into the range, provide a lot of drinking pleasure. Not too complicated, but honest quality. In the top segment, Riesling and Grüner Veltliner come from the first vineyards "Silberbichl" and "Gottschelle". With these wines, you can discover the complex terroir of the Krems Valley directly in the glass. And not to be neglected are the sparkling wines from the Malat house. Father Gerald produced Austria's first sparkling wine in 1976. Malat Brut was born.
Discover the wines of Austria in our online shop: Malat Package
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