2019 Domäne Wachau Riesling Terrassen Federspiel

Domäne Wachau

Austria / Wachau / Domäne Wachau

Origin & Terroir
Grapes from different small terraced vineyard plots were carefully handpicked for this wine. The majority of the grapes come from the vineyards surrounding Spitz, Dürnstein and Weissenkirchen. This Riesling Federspiel reflects the unique climate and primary rock soils of the Wachau Valley.
Grape Variety
Riesling is a grape variety of excellent international reputation. The share of Riesling of the total production in Austria amounts to just above 3% - at Domäne Wachau, this share is almost 20%. Riesling from Wachau is characterised by its particular elegance, finesse and structure.
Classification
Federspiel wines have a maximum alcohol content of 12.5%. Chaptalisation is strictly forbidden. The name Federspiel is derived from falconry which was a very popular leisure time activity among the nobility in medieval times. The falcon stands for the remarkable elegance of these dry white wines. Federspiel® is a registered trademark of Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus.
Vinification
The grapes are cultivated in the classical Lenz Moser trellis system with an average yield of 6 tonnes per hectare. The grapes for this wine were handpicked in mid-October. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine matured in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling to preserve the freshness and the fine fruit aromas.
Tasting Notes
This wine is crystal clear and straw-yellow with green highlights. Present and pronounced on the nose this wine displays stone fruit, delicate lime, and hints of ripe pear. On the palate there are flavours of juicy white peach and subtle hints of apricot. This wine is well balanced by a refined structure, very fresh, crisp and plush acidity. - Roman Horvath MW, Domäne Wachau

August, 2020

Stuart Pigott

jamessuckling.com

92 points

This Grüner has the tropical fruit you might be looking for, offering mangoes and papaya. Some dried lemon, too. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and fresh acidity. Flavorful finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

July, 2020

Anne Krebiehl MW

Wine Enthusiast

91 points

The nose speaks subtly of green pear, lemon zest and peppery green leaves. A slender, crisp palate unites all these notions, with fine freshness and a lovely herbal zing on the dry, appetizing finish. The lemon zestiness rings long.

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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.