Alzinger, Steinertal Smaragd Wachau Riesling 2021
Austria / White

Alzinger, Steinertal Smaragd Wachau Riesling 2021

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$81.00
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Fruit

Earth

Acid

Body

Minerality

Steinertal  is an extremely complex location that offers optimal terrain for both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The situation turns a little to the southwest, so in the evening always gets some heat, which are relativized by air currents from the north accordingly. The ground thickness varies considerably, as does the temperature within the location. The Riesling is rooted in the highest and barren plots and is a reflection of the natural conditions.

Leo Alzinger is located in Unterloiben, just across the street from Knoll. Leo owns parcels in two of the great vineyards in this part of the river valley: Loibenberg and Steinertal. Loibenberg is a towering, terraced hillside, while the diminutive (5.5 hectare) Steinertal is hidden and maintains a cooler micro-climate. On the terraced vineyards of both sites, Riesling is cultivated on the higher, more primary rock rich parcels while Grüner Veltliner is cultivated on the lower, silty, loess based parcels.

Leo Alzinger Jr took over the family domaine in 2002 after returning from harvest in New Zealand. Prior to that he traveled to other regions to gain more experience and was fortunate to spend time with legendary winemaker Hans Günter Schwarz just prior to his retirement in 2002.  “The most significant experience came with my work in the Pfalz at Müller-Catoir in the vintage 2000. Hans Günter Schwarz revealed things in the cellar, small details that gave stronger impressions of vineyard and place. He taught me not to be afraid of skin contact, that good grapes will give good phenols, for example. How important work with the lees is and many other things.”

Country
Austria
Sub-Region
Osterreich
Region
Wachau
Varieties
Riesling
Farming
Sustainable
Soil
Gneiss, mica schist, primary rock & loam
Winemaking
Spontaneously fermented in stainless steel. Elevage in acacia