HISTORY

Wine growing in and around Krems can be traced back more than 2,000 years. Due to the mild climate, the quality of the soil and the local wine growers' hard work, Krems and the Wachau developed into Austria’s best wine growing regions.

The first quality grapes were harvested in the 3rd century AD under the Roman emperor Probus (276-282). According to the "Vita Sankt Severini", Saint Severin, who lived in Krems and Mautern, retired "ad vineas", into the vineyards.

In the 11th century, the origin "Kremser Sandgrube", renowned for their Grüner Veltliner, was mentioned for the first time.

The period after the great migration saw an upswing in vine cultivation, brought about by Frankish and Bavarian monks. Today, more than 40 Central and Western European monasteries still own vineyards in and around Krems.

At a time when farmers all over Europe were oppressed by their feudal lords, wine growers in Krems were conceded a social status equal to that of the bourgeoisie. The guild "HAUERINNUNG KREMS und STEIN", founded in Krems in 1442, was held in high regard. The climax of viniculture, social and religious meetings of people from all social classes lead to an intense, highly cultured and sophisticated form of communal living.

In 1305, Krems was granted a charter and officially became a town with the argument, that its honour lay in its vineyards.

The guild of the wine growers of Krems and Stein and their head, the "Hauervater", still live and work in accordance with their old traditions and cherish the heritage of wine growing. The initiation ceremony requires every young vintner to make a vow: "I promise to be a good wine grower." He knows that only dedication and hard work in the vineyards and the cellars will guarantee the growing of superior wines.

In 1938, responsible members of the guild founded WINZER KREMS. The present "Hauervater", Eduard Felsner, is chairman of the board of WINZER KREMS and controls, together with 19 members of the board, the destiny of Austria’s largest wine producers. The heritage of wine growing in Krems is deeply rooted in the old traditions, thus guaranteeing connoisseur of superior quality - vintage after vintage.

WINE MAKING

The whole harvest will be carried out by hand. The grapes are separated according to the variety, the different qualities, and the particular locations of origin, so that a wide range of individual wine qualities and specialities can be bottled.

Once harvested, the grapes are brought as quickly as possible to the cellar. Here, every container of grapes is subjected to a strict quality control. Only fully ripe grapes - harvested by hand and undamaged - are fed to the press.

The grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice in the whole cluster pressing. This process ensures that the quality produced in the vineyard is also maintained in the wine. Although high technology is used, the process is carried out in the same way as with the traditional old wooden press.

The juice is then fed into stainless tanks and fermented in a temperature-controlled process. Every stage of maturation is constantly monitored and tested by experience oenologists and the winemaker. Even the bottles are subject to stringent controls. Only perfect bottles with the necessary quality features are marketed.

This makes every bottle from Winzer Krems an event in itself, filled with the affinity between the land and the vine.

THE WINES

The "Grüner Veltliner" is Austria's most significant grape-variety and simultaneously a speciality which is not cultivated in many other countries of the world practicing viticulture.

It's not by chance that about 55% of our total harvest fall to this grape variety. Climate and soil conditions are ideal in Krems.

As a world renowned and highly estimated white grape variety the "Rheinriesling" reaches the best quality on the Wachauer and Kremser primary rock terrace-slopes.

In addition the following wines are cultivated:
Riesling x Sylvaner, Weißburgunder (Pinot blanc), Neuburger, Muskat Ottonel, Gewürztraminer, Welschriesling, Ruländer, (Pinot gris), Frühroter Veltliner (Malvasier) and the red wine qualities Blauer Zweigelt and St. Laurent. 

Winzer Krems Sandgrube 13 is one of the best-known wine addresses in Austria. Its setting is unique: at the gateway to the World Heritage cultural landscape of the Wachau, one of the most beautiful stretches of river valley in Europe.

Located in the famous single-vineyard KREMSER SANDGRUBE, WINZER KREMS takes its grapes from 1.338 member wine-growers.

The Vineyard
The viticulture area of WINZER KREMS lies 70 kilometres west of Austria’s capital Vienna.
The centre of this region is the small picturesque town of Krems, situated in the Danube valley, marking the eastern border of one of Europe's most beautiful river landscapes
Most of the 990 ha of vineyards in and around Krems are placed on sun exposed primary rock and loess terraces with difficult access. The basis for the quality wines from Krems is provided by the special soil an climate conditions. The influence of the river Danube produces a mix of warm air from the South-East and cool spicy air from the North. From this micro-climate and from the soil of Löß or the prehistoric rock the vines create that distinctive aroma full of fruit which distinguishes wines from WINZER KREMS.

Drinkability: drink now through 2015

Serving Temperature: 10 - 11 °C

Goes well with: It is a perfect companion to the Austrian cuisine and goes very well with "Wiener Schnitzel". Its fruity character harmonizes with many spicy dishes.

Drinkability: best 5-8 year after vintage

Serving Temperature:10 - 13 °C

Goes well with: It is a perfect companion to the Austrian cuisine and goes very well with "Wiener Schnitzel"- Its fruity character harmonizes with many spicy dishes.

Drinkability: best 5-8 year after vintage

Serving Temperature:10 - 13 °C

Goes well with: This Riesling goes well with fish and sea food.

Drinkability:Excellent to drink already now but has a storage capacity of 3-10 years, at ideal storage conditions even longer.

Serving Temperature:10 - 12 °C

Goes well with: Very good with white meat (chicken, veal, rabbit) or baked carp, as well as innards (sweetbread!) giblets and sushi starters; also goes well with Austrian classical dishes such as Viennese Schnitzel and pork roast.

Wine details: very typical Grüner Veltliner of a loess soil.

Drinkability: 3-4 years

Serving Temperature: 10-12 °C

Goes well with: Goes very well with all meat dishes; veal and fish specialities. KREMSER SCHMITT is an excellent companion to the typical and traditional Austrian "cuisine" and dishes such as "Wiener Schnitzel".