Smaragd
“Smaragd” is a definition for the best and most valuable wines of the Wachau, it was first used for the vintage of the year 1986.
Theses wines with a minimum must weight of 18.2°KMW and alcoholic content of 12,5vol.% mature only in the most sunniest regions and even there only in very good years. (KMW stands for “Klosterneuburger Mostwaage and is a unit to define the amount of natural sugar in wine must.)
In accordance to tradition they are fermented until the natural end of the process and then, filled into bottles, are closed with long (at least 49mm) corks which carry the vintage date. Even after 25 or more years of proper storage one wil have much enjoyment drinking them. Wines of the type “Smaragd” must not be sold before the 1st of May following the year of the harvest. This category characterises an extraordinary specialty of Wachau's winegrowing area and is object to strict quality checks.
Green lizards enjoy the warmth of the vineyards and bask themselves in the sun next to the vines. For that reason they became the symbol for the best wines from this region.