Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC)

Gemischter Satz, rooted in Austrian viticulture (particularly within Vienna's wine region), is a distinctive wine defined by its blend of grape varieties. Unlike the modern trend of cultivating and producing single-varietal wines, this traditional approach intermingles different grape types in one vineyard. When the harvest season arrives, these varied grapes are plucked collectively and then co-fermented, leading to the creation of this multifaceted wine. The practice of growing multiple grape varieties together harks back to a time when diversifying crops was a hedge against potential loss. If one variety failed due to weather conditions or disease, the others might still thrive. The wine's character is shaped by the combination of grape varieties that go into its making. This interaction often leads to a wine with layered nuances and depth, a reflection of each contributing grape. The specific varieties can vary, but Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Traminer, Rotgipfler, and Zierfandler are some of the most common ones. The co-harvesting and co-fermentation processes are crucial. While blending different grape varieties post-fermentation can yield interesting results, Gemischter Satz's character emerges from fermenting these grapes together, intertwining their profiles from the very beginning. Understanding its unique contribution to the world of wines, Austria recognized Gemischter Satz with a DAC (Districtus Austriae Controllatus) designation in 2013. This label assures adherence to quality and origin standards, preserving the wine's legacy.