The Danube gorge between Melk and Krems produces Austria's most celebrated white wines on ancient terraced gneiss and primary rock. The unique Wachau ripeness classification (Steinfeder, Federspiel, Smaragd) replaced Germany's Prädikat system with a place-based approach. Smaragd (named after the local Emerald lizard) reaches full ripeness while retaining freshness. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling from Achleiten, Singerriedel and Kellerberg are world-class.
| Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | — | Wachau 2022: Danube gorge; temperature variation creates exceptional aromatic precision |
| 2021 | — | Wachau 2021: Danube gorge; temperature variation creates exceptional aromatic precision |
| 2020 | — | Wachau 2020: Danube gorge; temperature variation creates exceptional aromatic precision |
| 2019 | — | Wachau 2019: Danube gorge; temperature variation creates exceptional aromatic precision |
| 2018 | — | Wachau 2018: Danube gorge; temperature variation creates exceptional aromatic precision |