The Vinea Wachau (Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus) is the association of winemakers in the Wachau area. It has three registered wine trademarks: Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd.
All three varieties are dry high-quality wines with no added sugar and, of course, with official state test number.
Steinfeder – Federspiel – Smaragd … You will find them only in the Wachau.
STEINFEDER …
… is the »lightest wine« with alcoholic content of up to 11% by volume. In comparison, Steinfeder and Federspiel are »extra dry«, and have maximum 4 g/l sugar residues. Their names come from the feather-light gras that grows on the steep slopes of the Wachau hills and and is under natural protection.
FEDERSPIEL …
… has medium full body with alcoholic content from 11 to 12.5 Vol.% and variation from plus-minus 0.5 Vol. % in the produced wine. At wine auctions, it follows the famous Smaragd.
The name's origin can be traced back to the times of falconry when birds of prey have been used for hunting.
SMARAGD …
… designates the best quality wines from the Wachau region. The alcoholic content starts from 12.5 Vol. % to and above 14 and the wine is »dry« with maximum 9 g/l sugar residues.
The name comes from the emerald-colored liyards that can be found in the Wachau vineyards.