2021 Prager Riesling Federspiel Steinriegl Wachau Austria
- #94 Wine Spectator's Best 100 Wines of 2023
- One of Austria's Best Producers
- 2021 was a "Dream Vintage"
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
Critical Reviews
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.
Toni is a biologist, geologist, and historian. He’s completely passionate about Austrian terroir, and he has dedicated his life to studying the region’s terroir. His expertise and knowledge have managed to elevate Weingut Prager to a world-class and cult-status winery since 1990. Today, this first-class winery is led by Toni’s son, Robert, who has followed the same steps as his father.
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.
With a rich history and favorable climate, the Wachau is known as one of the greatest terroirs in Austria. Although the region is less than 15 miles long, the unique landscape and vineyards make it renowned. Located a short hour’s drive northwest of Vienna the Wachau is famous for the unique steep stone terraced vineyards rising up on the Northside or “left bank” of the Danube River, as it flows West to East.
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.
The vintage 2021 was an incredible year for this region. The Austrian Wine Association called it a dream vintage and stated that this year delivered “Crystal-clear wines from perfect grapes. A year that we will be hearing about for many years to come. A glorious autumn brought balanced, elegant white wines with a profound fruitiness and zesty structure, and this was the case for all of Austria’s wine-growing regions."
Tasting Notes: 100% Riesling. Steinriegl’s uniquely cool microclimate results in wines of high aroma and focused acidity and its limestone soil provide a compact structure and a flavor that is distinctive among Wachau Rieslings.
Reviews
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. Bodenstein produces both an earlier- picked Federspiel and a later-picked Smaragd. ~93 Falstaff
A juicy wine, with mouthwatering acidity coursing throughout, while beeswax, lanolin and chamomile cascade across the broad palate. Refined and graceful, delivering apple, lime and bitter herbs, with nice fleshiness, mineral power and depth. Drink now through 2035. 1,800 cases made, 125 cases imported. ~92 Wine Spectator
***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***
Don't Miss This
Step Up Your Wine Experience with Big Hammer Wines
We taste over 5,000 wines tasted every year so you don't have to. We only pick 90+ rated wines sourced from the best wineries from all around the world.
Plus free shipping when you buy 12 or more bottles.
A Wine Journey Through Austria’s Unique Regions
Explore Austria's diverse wine regions, showcasing distinct expressions of terroir and tradition.
Wachau
Wachau: Terroir and the Art of Austrian Winemaking
Wachau’s terraced vineyards, overlooking the Danube River, are home to some of Austria’s most celebrated wines. With Grüner Veltliner taking center stage, these wines reflect the region’s rocky, steep terroir. The photos of Wachau’s scenic terraces bring the landscape to life—these are the vineyards that produce wines with vibrant acidity and layers of citrus, green apple, and mineral undertones.
Burgenland
Burgenland: A Sun-Drenched Haven for Bold Red Wines
Known for its warm, sunny climate, Burgenland produces wines that are rich, bold, and expressive. Here, Blaufränkisch and other red varieties thrive in the deep, fertile soils, offering complex, full-bodied wines. The Burgenland photos showcase expansive vineyards bathed in sunlight—ideal for pairing with hearty dishes, rich meats, and flavorful cheeses.
Kamptal
Kamptal: Balancing Freshness and Depth in Austrian Wines
Nestled in Austria’s heart, Kamptal offers wines that balance the best of freshness and depth. Known for its Grüner Veltliner, the region’s wines are peppered with flavors of fresh herbs, citrus, and spice. The Kamptal photos evoke the rolling hills and vineyards, representing the fresh, bright character that defines Kamptal wines.
Kremstal
Kremstal: Elegant Wines from the Danube's Cool Climate
The Kremstal region, with its cooler climate, is known for producing wines with a lively, elegant character. Rich in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, Kremstal wines are aromatic and vibrant, with a delicate balance of fruit and minerality. The Kremstal photos perfectly reflect this—showing vineyards that lie along the Danube River, where the wines flourish in perfect harmony with the climate.
Styria
Styria: A Hidden Gem of Zesty and Sustainable Wines
Lesser-known but full of character, Styria produces wines that are fresh, zesty, and bold. With Zweigelt and Sauvignon Blanc among the standout varieties, this region is renowned for its clean, crisp wines with a touch of citrus and herbaceous notes. The Styria photos capture the lush, green hills and quiet vineyards—reflecting the region’s commitment to sustainable, natural farming.
Weinviertel
Weinviertel: Austria's Expansive Region of Diverse Wines
Austria’s largest wine region, Weinviertel, offers a variety of wines, from crisp, refreshing whites to deep, rich reds. With Grüner Veltliner being the star, these wines express the region’s cool, dry climate, providing fresh acidity balanced by flavors of green herbs and apple. The Weinviertel photos highlight the vastness of the region, with rows of vineyards stretching across the landscape.