This appellation consists of the 35 km gorge along the Danube river between Stift Melk and the outskirts of Krems. The steep, terraced vineyards are home for the world famous Smaragd Rieslings. Other grape varieties here are Grüner Veltliner, Neuburger, Feinburgunder and Weißburgunder. The primary rock and slate soils together with the fjord-like climate give the wines a very special character, often with pleasant mineral notes and good acidic structure.