Liechtenstein wine

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Vineyards near Vaduz

The Principality of

foehn
aids cultivators by having a sweetening effect.

There are over 100 winegrowers in Liechtenstein which produce red and white wines in which despite the small size of the country can produce a significant variety. Liechtenstein is part of the European wine quality system and the international AOC classification.

History

Viniculture in Liechtenstein dates back just over two thousand years. Growing began before Christ by a

Alamanni, production virtually ceased, until the growth of Christianity in the 4th century, when monks encouraged the establishment of new vineyards. During the rule of Charlemagne
(742–814), many of the municipalities and monasteries possessed their own vineyards. [1] This time the vineyards surrounding Gutenberg Castle yielded some three thousand gallons of wine a year. Charlemagne did much to alter the method of production, strongly encouraging better hygiene and pressing of the grapes by making it practice for the wine pressers to wash their feet although he was met with considerable opposition.

The grape,

Bündner Herrschaft to cultivate it.[1]

Vineyards near Vaduz

During the latter half of the 19th century, wine was one of Liechtenstein's two main exports, alongside cattle. The wine industry in Liechtenstein reached an all-time peak in 1871 when 320 hectares (790 acres) were designated for wine production.

parasites caused the wine industry collapse. Attempts by the government to sustain the industry by introducing compulsory crop spraying after 1890 failed.[1] However, although the industry had declined significantly, viniculture was still important enough in Vaduz that its coat of arms, established on 31 July 1932, pictured bunches of grapes. Since the 1970s there has been a regrowth of viniculture, but as of 2008 only 26 hectares (64 acres) is under cultivation.[1]

Today, the most popular white wines are

pressed
from Rhine Riesling grapes.

Several places in the country have wine tasting venues. Most notable is the "Hofkellerei des regierenden Fürsten von Liechtenstein", the wine cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vineyards in Liechtenstein.
  1. ^ a b c d e f "AOC quality certification for top wines from Liechtenstein". Principality of Liechtenstein. 26 September 2005. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2008.

See also