📍 Kremstal

Kremstal (“Krems valley”) is a wine zone in Lower Austria, around the town of Krems on the Danube, just east of the better-known Wachau. It is part of Lower Austria. The name also refers to the Krems river that flows through the valley. The zone is sheltered by hills from the north and open to warm winds from the east, so summers are warm and nights cool.

Vineyards lie on terraces above the Danube. The key feature is loess: fine yellow dust left by glacial winds, which holds water well and gives wines a soft character. On slopes there are also primary rocks, gneiss and slate, where wines are more mineral and slender.

The main grapes are Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and these are the ones allowed under the local DAC Kremstal (in force since the 2007 vintage). Classic-level wines are light and peppery, Reserve wines fuller and aged. The best sites (Ried) are named on the label. Reds and sparkling wines are made too, but are less common.

Kremstal suits anyone who likes Austrian whites but wants a softer, more affordable alternative to the Wachau. Wachau lies to the west and Wagram to the east. Light classic wines go well with Wiener schnitzel and salads, while Reserve wines suit pork, poultry and cheese.