The Goal

In January 2002, fourteen Weinviertel wine producers founded the association Premium Wineries with the goal of recognizing and defining the particular strengths of the wines of the Weinviertel (the largest Austrian wine producing region with some 16.000 hectar under vines) and of making unique terroir wines.
The trend for uniform, sterile-tasting “techno wines” has asserted itself across the world. Wines that are made like this no longer have characteristics associated with any wine growing area in particular and are, in fact, totally interchangeable.
The members of our association want to learn and work together and to formulate principles from increasing the regional authenticity of Weinviertel wines, and especially of the Grüner Veltliner varietal.

Unique: Climate and Soils

The Weinviertel is the most northerly wine growing region in Austrian and finds itself dominated by two different climatic systems: the Pannonian climate with the hot, dry summers of the Hungarian steppe, and the more temperate European climate and its cool, long autumns. This unique climate combined with the different soils of the area creates wines, which could not be grown anywhere else in the world. The great potential of these wines is in their fine aromas and harmonious acids, allowing the wines on the one hand to be matured, and on the other hand to be ready for drinking quite early. This is true even for wines with higher alcohol content due to very ripe or overripe grape material.

Authentic Wines

There are already Weinviertel wines showing the authenticity of their terroir. These wines have typically been produced without intensive use of cellar technology, i.e. they have been fermented without industrial yeasts, with very little recourse to enzymes, and without clearing and filtration.
Everything is done to maintain the influence of the soil on the aromas of the wine. In addition to regular tasting for colleagues and wine lovers, the Premium Wineries are also planning symposia and workshops for interested members of the public as well as for wine experts.