Alzinger Dürnstein Federspiel Wachau Grüner Veltliner 2023

Unterloiben, Wachau, Austria 

Alzinger Dürnstein Federspiel Wachau Grüner Veltliner is a beautiful white wine from the Wachau region of Austria. 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. Elegance and pristine fruit are what Leo looks for in winemaking, rather than opulence. Alzinger’s wines are never forceful or assertive; they are instead amazingly sanguine and calmly transparent.

Wachau wines have a unique classification system. The three classification levels for Wachau wine include Steinfeder for wines up to 11.5% alcohol level, Federspiel for wines between 11.5–12.5% and Smaragd that must have a minimum of 12.5% alcohol level. Federspiel literally means "feather game." The symbol for this classification is a falcon, which pays homage to the historical pastime of falconry in the Wachau.

Alzinger Dürnstein Federspiel Wachau Grüner Veltliner comes from multiple vineyards in Dürnstein in soils of clay mixed with gneiss, mica schist, & loam. The wine is finished in stainless steel with a small amount of neutral Austrian oak. It is an elegant example of what Grüner can be, always crystal clear, animating and wholesome, with herbs, citrus, and fresh stone fruit.

Enjoy Alzinger Dürnstein Federspiel Wachau Grüner Veltliner with grilled chicken, pan-fried sole, pastas and salads.