At a glance

Producer

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger

Region

Wachau, Austria

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Expected €85-€150 (pre-arrival futures pricing; subject to final release)

Tasting profile

2024 barrel samples (where available) show stone fruit, mandarin, white flowers, intense minerality, and spicy length. Power and concentration with vivid acidity.

Evolution: Primary fruit and florality in first 3-5 years; mid-palate richness and signature Wachau mineral drive unfolds after 5+ years; honeyed secondary notes possible after 10+ years.

At peak: At optimum, delivers intense citrus and stone fruit, deep minerality, layered texture, and exceptional length. Profound depth and balance.

Structure

Acidity

High, classic for Singerriedel terroir and vintage style

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

Typically 13.5-14% ABV (2024 expected to be consistent)

Aging potential

Very high; this wine is known for excellent complexity and longevity in top vintages

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2042

Optimal window

2027 to 2045

Current status

Not yet released; will be available from mid-late 2025 onwards

Current condition

Barrel sample or pre-release (2024 vintage will not be in bottle until 2025)

Due to its Smaragd classification and origin on the legendary Singerriedel site, this Riesling is designed for longevity and complexity. Best enjoyed after 8-15 years in bottle, when it integrates vibrant acidity, ripe fruit, and terroir-driven mineral notes.

Food pairing

Recommended with freshwater fish (trout, pike-perch), shellfish, spicy Asian cuisine, poultry, strong vegetable dishes (asparagus, artichoke), or simply served as a contemplative meditation wine.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Manual harvesting, integrated pest management, elimination of herbicides/insecticides, minimal intervention winemaking, energy-efficient cellar operations, traditional lightweight glass bottles

Franz Hirtzberger’s estate is a leader in quality-minded, sustainable viticulture in the Wachau, practicing low-input farming, precise canopy management, and eschewing chemical herbicides. Water use is minimal due to historic terraces and rain retention. While not officially certified organic or biodynamic, the winery is a founding member of the Vinea Wachau Nobilis Districtus and follows Austria’s pioneering sustainability protocols. Packaging is responsible, with a focus on recyclable bottles and cases. The main carbon burden arises from intercontinental export, but the overall per-bottle footprint remains below global averages for premium wine. Continuous improvement in sustainable farming and production is evident.