Freie Weingarten Wachau

Just to the East of Vienna, the Danube penetrates the dramatic wine terraces of the Wachau, Weingut Freigarten's vineyards perched precipitously over the river in a manner that recalls both the Mosel and the Douro.

On a beguiling combination of soils, the Riesling and, increasingly, Gruner Veltliner, have found a natural homestead. Generally the conditions, with mechanisation less than impossible and vine densities relatively low, have resulted in high prices. The Freigarten's wines are a wonderful exception; the quality here is extraordinary for such a modest outlay!