D’Amato & Szabo: Wine Thieves – Episode 19: Along the Danube Part II: Weinviertel

Think you know Austria’s Weinviertel (the “Wine Quarter”)? Our continuing journey down the Danube may yet surprise you. We look north of Vienna and the river to this vast DAC, Austria’s largest, and first protected designation of origin established in 2002. DAC Weinviertel on the label means fragrant, fresh, oak-free, dry and peppery grüner veltliner, the region’s signature. Reserve and Grosses Reserve categories were were introduced in 2009 to accommodate a growing number of more powerful versions. Yet a region is not solely defined by its regulations. For the underground spirit of the Weinviertel, we turn to biodynamic winemaker Johannes Zillinger. Johannes speaks of the importance of the creation of the DAC, and also why he doesn’t bottle his wines under it. He talks about the generational friction caused by evolving philosophies in family operations, and how a trip to the Republic of Georgia inspired his wines. Far from being one large ocean of peppery grüner, the Weinviertel is instead a collection of  multiple seas, foaming with  innovation and exploration, tradition and convention, from farmhouse to factory. Learn what “unconventional” can mean, what  PIWI varieties are and how they may change farming for the better, and how family, travel, perspective and a collaborative spirit shape a dynamic wine style.  Finally, the Wine Thieves benefit from tips on leading a biodynamic lifestyle and see how they size up. You won’t want to miss this episode!