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Steinfeder, Federspiel and Smaragd are registered trademarks of the Vinea Wachau.
Steinfeder
®
Fruity charm and a stipulated maximum alcohol content of 11.5% by volume
characterise the lightest style of top Vinea Wachau wines – the Steinfeder.
The name itself refers to the typical Steinfeder grass (Stipa pennata), which
grows near the vines in the Wachau’s terraced vineyards; it is light like a
feather, and fragrant – just like the wine named af ter it.
Federspiel
®
This classic dr y wine is distinguished by a strong, nuance-rich character.
Federspiel
®
wines feature a must weight of at least 17° KMW and an alcohol
content of between 11.5% and 12.5% by volume. The name Federspiel refers
back to the times of falconr y, when this favourite form of noble hunting was
practiced in the Wachau.
Smaragd
®
Smaragd is the designation for the best, most treasured wines from the Vinea
Wachau’s members, with an alcohol content ranging from 12.5% by volume.
The highest grade of ripeness coupled with natural concentration make
this world-class designation possible. Emerald-coloured Idex lizards – also
known as Smaragde – feel quite at home in the terraced vineyards of the
Wachau. On bright summer days they bask in the gleaming sunshine next to
the grapevines – becoming the per fect symbol for top Wachau wines with full
physiological ripeness.
Vinea Wachau
– the regional protection organisation
The Vinea Wachau (Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus) was founded in 1983 as
an association of winegrowers in the Wachau, and monitors the provenance
of wines produced by member estates in the district, classif ying these wines
according to three categories of quality: