Weingut Franz Hirtzberger : Steinerterassen Federspiel Riesling 2016

A Juicy and Complex Riesling from Wachau

Over the course of the past 30-40 years, Weingut Franz Hirtzberger has risen to the very top of the list of the most representative and important wine producers of Spitz in the Wachau wine region of Austria. The company was founded by Franz Hirtzberger, who first identified the best single-vineyard terraces of this area and created, as a collaboration with the region's other great producers, the Vinea Wanchau. His son Franz (the second) took over in 1983, and today manages the family's 20-hectare vineyard property. The Steinerterassen Federspiel Riesling 2016 by Weingut Franz Hirtzberger is made with 100% Riesling grapes from multiple estate vineyards in Spitz. The wine is fermented naturally in stainless steel vats. It is racked off the lees and matured in large Austrian oak foudres, before a light filtration and bottling.

In the glass, the Steinerterassen Federspiel Riesling 2016 by Weingut Franz Hirtzberger displays a greenish yellow colour, with silver reflections. The bouquet reveals on the nose aromas of fresh peach, honey and orange zest, along with subtle hints of gooseberry and Asian pear. On the palate, this Austrian Riesling is juicy and complex, with a pleasant acidity and a natural sweetness from fruit. A refined white wine, perfect to pair with crab cakes or grilled fish.