At a glance

Producer

Weingut Alzinger

Region

Wachau, Austria

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$90

Tasting profile

Citrus zest, green apple, wet stone minerality, slight floral notes with sharply defined acidity and subtle phenolic grip.

Evolution: Over time develops honeyed, smoky, spicy, and petrol-like notes with more roundness but preserving freshness.

At peak: Complex layers of mineral, ripe stone fruit, and honeyed nuances with a creamy texture and lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant and refreshing

Tannins

None (white wine, not tannic)

Alcohol

12.5%

Aging potential

20+ years depending on storage, high acidity and quality terroir support long cellar aging

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2056

Optimal window

2023 to 2059

Current status

Approaching early maturity with excellent potential

Current condition

Vibrant acidity and fresh minerality, youthful but approachable

The high-quality vineyard site Loibner Steinertal in Wachau yields Rieslings with notable minerality and concentrated acidity. The Smaragd category ensures full ripeness and richness that sustain a long aging window. The 2019 vintage was warm and balanced, adding intensity while maintaining freshness, hence a long peak window.

Food pairing

Excellent with rich fish dishes like halibut or trout, white meats with herbal sauces, Asian cuisines (Thai, Vietnamese), and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Weingut Alzinger practices biodynamic viticulture, minimizing chemical inputs, enhancing soil health, and fostering biodiversity. They use renewable energy on-site and employ water conservation techniques. Packaging is lightweight glass with recycled materials used in cork and labels.

Alzinger’s biodynamic certification and commitment to natural viticulture promote ecological balance and high-quality fruit expression. Their focus on renewable energy and water management further reduces environmental impact. While global distribution has inherent carbon costs, sustainability-driven packaging and farming help offset these factors, placing their overall sustainability in the upper tier.