2013 Domäne Wachau Beerenauslese

Domäne Wachau

Austria / Wachau / Domäne Wachau

Origin & Terroir:
The Riesling-grapes for Beerenauslese Terrassen 2013 were carefully hand-picked in the prime sites Kellerberg and Achleiten. Gelber Muskateller-grapes were harvested from terraced vineyards in Spitz. The Burgundy varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc are from terraced vineyards throughout the Wachau. The wine reflects the elegant and precise style and character of Wachau sweet wines.
Grape Variety:
Beerenauslese Terrassen 2013 is a blend of 50% Riesling, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Blanc and 15% Gelber Muskateller. The Riesling contribute the delicate elegance, nobility and the fruity character, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc bring additional complexity and harmony and Gelber Muskateller provides a distinctive aroma.
Classification:
Beerenauslese must be harvested at least at 25° KMW (125° Oechsle). Beerenauslese 2013 achieved an average of 27.5° KMW. Beerenauslese is a rare and intense sweet wine specialty with concentrated natural sweetness. The annual production volume is very low.
Vinification:
Selected prime sites have been specifically cultivated for sweet wines and the vineyards were protected against birds. In particular, the Riesling from Kellerberg and Achleiten perfectly suited for high quality botrytis grapes. Essential for top quality sweet wines is a small portion of healthy, non-botrytised grapes to retain the fine fruit character and precision of the wine. The grapes were carefully hand-picked in several sections during November and December. The average yield was only 10 hl / ha. Temperature-controlled fermentation and vinification in stainless steel tanks guarantee particular elegance and structure.
Tasting Notes:
Intense greenish yellow with golden reflections; open and pronounced on the nose, intense fruit flavors, tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, hints of acacia honey and delicate tobacco, very complex and deep; sweet and harmonious on the palate, the crisp acidity perfectly balances the wine, the fruit aroma continues, punchy and lively with a long finish
Enjoyment:
Serve well chilled at about 10°C.

November, 2014

Anne Krebiehl MW

Wine Enthusiast

90 points

Citrus edged sweetness is far more apparent on the nose, but here it delivers wonderful hints of lemon oil and candied zest, cut through by lively acidity against hints of tropical mango. A wonderfully toned BA, this will pair well with both cheese and dessert. 90 points.

Standard Bottle Out of Stock

About Domäne Wachau

Sustainable Austria-certified Domäne Wachau draws on some of the very best vineyards in the Wachau, including mythical names like Singerriedel, Achleiten, Kellerberg and Loibenberg. Estate chief Roman Horvath MW and winemaker Heinz Frischengruber have mobilised and energised some 250 small growers into growing balanced crops of ripe, healthy grapes across the valley. These translate to powerfully regional and site-specific wines that these days stand proudly next to the most revered estates of the region. The Domäne Wachau Terrassen and single-vineyard wines are sourced from the best grapes grown on the steep terraces of the Wachau. These are vinified with conscientious focus on terroir and express the mineral character derived from the complex rocky soils of the Wachau. They're also some of the very best-value wines that we import.

About

Before making his home in the Wachau, Roman worked in the wine trade as well as wineries in Chile and France. He was the second Austrian to successfully complete the prestigious MW course at the Institute of Masters of Wine in London. Roman joined the Domäne Wachau as winery director in 2004 where he has been responsible for the successful restructuring and strategic positioning of the winery. He also keeps very busy in his private life as a father who is proud of a daughter and twin boys.