The rock star among the lizards
Iridescent green-blue-turquoise in color, sluggishly sunbathing and just as swiftly disappearing into a crevice: The emerald lizard has the glamour of a rock star among lizards, as the sculpture by Erich Pummer colorfully underlines. Classified as endangered throughout Austria, the emerald lizard is common in the Wachau.
In addition to the sunny vineyard slopes, this is due to the many dry stone walls that characterize the region. In contrast to concrete walls, they provide the ideal habitat for the green lizard, stonecrop species and Aesculapian snakes: They store heat and also provide numerous opportunities for shelter when needed.
Would you have guessed?
Smaragd® is also the designation for the highest quality level among Wachau wines. This seal of quality is awarded to the most valuable wines from the Vinea Wachau winegrowers. Maximum grape ripeness and a natural concentration result in world-class wines.
