Riedenwein is the Austrian classification for single vineyard wine. You’ll see Reid or Lage on the bottle followed by the name of the vineyard.
Depending on the region in Austria, Riedenwein are broken down into further classifications.
Wachau Riedenwien Classifications
In the Wachau the three classifications Riedenwein are broken down into:
Steinfeder®
Fruity charm and lightness characterize the Steinfeder®. The name itself refers to the typical “Steinfedergras” (Stipa pennata), a grass which grows near the vines in the Wachau´s terraced vineyards; it is light like a feather, and fragrant – just like the wine named after it. The maximum alchol content is 11.5% by volume.
Federspiel®
This classic dry wine is distinguished by a strong, nuance-rich character and is an ideal food pairing. The name Federspiel refers back to the times of falconry, when this favourite form of noble hunting was practiced in the Wachau. Alcohol content of these wines will be between 11.5% to 12.5% by volume.
Smaragd®
The Wachau vineyard terraces and their dry stone walls offer a natural habitat for numerous plants and animals; among them the local green Smaragd” lizard that lends its name to the best known of the Vinea categories.
The grapes for the Smaragd wines ripen in the best vineyard sites of the Wachau. They are harvested late and are true representatives of their terroir. The wines are concentrated and powerful, complex and very long-lived. These must have an alcohol content of at least 12.5%
ÖTW – Österreichische Traditionsweingüter Reidenwien Classifications
These classifications apply to the regions of Kamptal, Kremstal, Traisental, Wagram, Wien, and Carnuntum.
Ried/Lage (Single Vineyard)
Ried or Lage (Cru, Single Vineyard). »Ried« is the most detailed geographic origin. Wines from individual vineyards with distinctive and particular characteristics are distinguished with the name of the vineyard and reflect the potential of a unique terroir. According to Austrian Wine Law, the word »Ried« must precede the name of the vineyard on the label.
ÖTW ERSTE LAGE 1ÖTW (Premier Cru).
Around 15% of single vineyards.
These are vineyards whose wines have manifested themselves (and continue thus) as the most vigorous in character and the most distinctive representatives of their appellations. The natural conditions of each site consistently enables the vinification of exceptional wines every year
ÖTW GROSSE LAGE GÖTW (Grand Cru).
Around 5% of single vineyards.
These are vineyards that have manifested themselves over the course of time as true icons, as the most distinguished and equally significant sites. Classification of these sites will first begin after all Erste Lage sites have been defined and proven their individual extraordinary character throughout multiple vintages. We think that we will begin in five to ten years to recognise the first GÖTW vineyards (2025-2030).
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