DOMÄNE WACHAU: A HIGHER STANDARD

www.domaene-wachau.at

Domäne Wachau is situated on an historic property on the north bank of the Danube, in the small and prestigious region of Wachau. A unique and longstanding relationship exists between the winery and approximately 250 growers, forming the only cooperative in the valley and controlling about one third of all production.

The emphasis is in the vineyards. In a country characterized by high standards of wine production, Domäne Wachau raises the bar. They produce Gruner Veltliner and Riesling predominantly at the top two of three classified levels of quality—Federspiel and Smaragd—from the region’s famed "Terrassen" or terraced vineyards. Their philosophy is to work in the vineyards to create the basis for great wines and let them develop in the cellar through "benevolent neglect". The result is superb wines that beautifully express the unique terroir.

HIRTZBERGER: RARE JEWEL

www.hirtzberger.com

Indisputably considered one of the top two or three producers in the Wachau, Hirtzberger's small productions of excellent wines are known equally for their aging potential as their intense style. Situated in a 600 year old house at the base of the famed Singerriedl vineyard, in the western part of the region, Franz Hirtzberger is a master of balancing the full properties of the fruit with the nuances of the terroir. By closely managing his vineyards and using natural yeasts he produces Federspiel and Smaragd Gruner Veltliners and Rieslings that will raise your eyebrows and make you smile.

KRACHER : LEGENDARY WINES

www.kracher.at

The third generation of a legendary winery is in place as Gerhard Kracher continues the magic of his father and grandfather before him. Capitalizing on the unique microclimates bordering the large and very windy Lake Neusiedlersee, Kracher practically lives in the vineyards. Here he tends to, and monitors, the vines to determine the right moment that botrytis has done its work and the concentrated grapes are ready to harvest. The vineyards, and in some cases vineyard parcels, are harvested, pressed and vinified separately. After fermentation, Gerhard begins his methodical process of blind tasting each batch and blending them together, in several iterations, until he arrives at anywhere from seven to twelve separate blends which he numbers in order of sugar content. The high natural acidity of the blends perfectly balances the sugar. He uses single grapes or combinations of the six or seven varieties he grows, and each year’s offering is different. The end products are elixirs of a unique style that equal any of the great dessert wines of the world.

SCHWARZ: AUSTRIAN ALCHEMY

A very small but highly coveted selection of wines originating from a collaboration of three gentlemen; Hans Schwarz, Alois Kracher and Manfred Krankl. Great minds, innovation and special microclimate produce these surprising and very interesting wines.

ZANTHO: LOVE THE LIZARD

www.zantho.com

Longstanding and particular grower contracts, unique soil and climatic conditions, and the most advanced winery techniques in the area come together in Zantho. Known for their mastery of Burgenland’s great red grapes, Zweigelt, Blaufrankisch and St Laurent, Zantho brings forward the intensity of the fruit in their wines. Under the watchful eye of renowned vintner, Josef Umathum, every step of the winemaking process, beginning with the reception of the grapes, is recorded so that every wine can be traced from the rootstock to the bottle. This meticulous approach results in wines that represent tremendous value and wonderful wine discoveries for consumers. Zantho takes its name from the indigenous lizard that lives in the vineyards and graces the labels.