The Weinviertel district, is located in the far northeastern corner of Austria, in the region known as Niederosterreich (Lower Austria). This is the largest DAC wine zone in the country, with 33,000 acres planted. This is Gruner Veltliner territory, as this variety accounts for a little more than half of the area's total plantings. Zweigelt, a local red is next; plantings of this variety have increased over the past decade, while the numbers for Gruner have slightly decreased. Other varieties planted her include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. Weinviertel has a continental climate; vineyards are planted primarily on flatlands. Soils are a mix of gravel, sand, limestone and clay. (Wine/Appellations)