A feature of Viennese vineyards for centuries, the Gemischter Satz is now experiencing a genuine renaissance. A Gemischter Satz is a wine made from a variety of grapes. In contrast to a cuvee, up to 20 different grape varieties are planted in the same vineyard, and harvested and pressed together. Originally, growers used the varying degrees of ripeness and acidity as a way to ensure consistent quality and guard against the risk of poor harvests.

The vineyards of Christ, Edlmoser, Wieninger, Cobenzl, Mayer am Pfarrplatz and Fuhrgassl-Huber have made a big contribution to reinvigorating the old specialty with their WienWein Group. The description "Wiener Gemischte Satz" has since become regulated in law and may only be used for wines that have been pressed from at least three grape varieties from a vineyard in Vienna.

"New York is known for being a melting pot. This results in an extremely open approach to wine. Thanks to the variety on offer, the New Yorker/American seeks authentic products that have a certain uniqueness and a historical background. The Wiener Gemischte Satz has had a lot of positive press in the USA in recent years and its quality makes it very popular," says Tyrolean Aldo Sohm from New York's luxury restaurant "Le Bernardin". Aldo was announced best sommelier in the world in 2008.

The Italy-based Slow Food Foundation for the promotion of biodiversity has included the Viennese Gemischter Satz in its Ark of Taste, also making it one of its Presidia products. Only 300 products worldwide have been honored with this award. It is intended to protect high-quality and traditionally produced foods for future generations in the face of industrialized agriculture and big business. The Viennese wine specialty is one of five Austrian "Presidio" products.

• www.slow-food.at
• www.wienwein.at
• www.wienerwein.at