Wiener Gemischter Satz

Gemischter Satz means “mixed planting.” It’s a white wine made from several varieties that grow side by side in the same vineyard and are harvested and fermented together, rather than being the result of blending finished wines. In Vienna, a city that has vineyards within its own boundaries, this wine became the one most associated with the capital.

Planting mixed varieties was common in Vienna and much of Central Europe until the early 20th century. Producers and the local press give a practical explanation: varieties flower at different times, so bad weather during the flowering of one will not ruin the entire harvest. In the 19th century varieties such as Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Weißburgunder, Traminer and Rotgipfler were already planted together. The practice then almost disappeared, returning in recent decades.

Since the 2013 vintage, a federal rule defines the Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC. The grapes must come 100% from the Vienna wine region, from vineyards registered as mixed planting, with at least three white varieties harvested and vinified together. The main variety cannot exceed half of the wine, and the third must make up at least 10%. The rule allows a blend of up to 15% with another quality wine from Vienna; when a specific vineyard (Ried) is indicated, the blend may only use Wiener Gemischter Satz DAC. The wine is white and carries the vintage year on the label. The general rule requires dry wine, but semi-dry is also allowed for wines with Ried designation.

The result varies from vineyard to vineyard: on the limestone slopes in the west of the city, wines tend to be fresh and fruity; on the darker soils in the south, more full-bodied.