2019 Prager 'Steinriegl' Riesling Federspiel Wachau
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One of Austria's Top Producers
- 93 James Suckling
- Dry style Riesling
- Free Shipping on 12 or more bottles
About the Wine
Franz Prager, the co-founder of the Vinea Wachau, had already earned a reputation for his wines when Toni Bodenstein married into the family. Bodenstein’s passion for biodiversity and old terraces, coupled with brilliant winemaking, places Prager in the highest echelon of Austrian producers. Steinriegl is planted to Riesling and is Prager’s only vineyard west of Weißenkirchen. The exceptionally steep, southwest-facing site has a cool mesoclimate due to its proximity to the forest, and its soil is a unique “kalksilikatmarmor,” a limestone silicate marble rarely found elsewhere in the Wachau. This is an incredibly dynamic wine with an extremely bright finish that will pleasantly surprise everyone lucky enough to taste it.
Federspiel is a designation of ripeness for dry wines, a term used exclusively by members of the Vinea Wachau. Federspiel wines must be unchaptalized and fall between 11.5 and 12.5% ABV. The grapes are hand-harvested, typically in October, and are sent directly to press where they spontaneously ferment in stainless-steel tanks.
Tasting Notes
Bright and vibrant, the nose is fresh and floral with lime and lime zest. The palate is marked by citrus and green apples. This is a very textured wine that refreshes the palate its almost saline minerality.
Critical Reviews
Pronounced cassis nose, then a very straight and cool palate with very bright and mineral acidity. Long, enormously refreshing finish. Drink or hold. Screwcap. ~93 James Suckling
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Food Pairing
Seafood
Cheese
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