2020 Alzinger Riesling Dürnstein Federspiel

Wachau, Austria

For all fans of dry Riesling, these are some of the best anywhere! From pristine sites along the Danube in the Wachau, Alzinger has been synonymous with crisp, complex and perfectly balanced Rielsings. From multiple vineyards around the village of Dürnstein with clay-based soils mixed with gneiss, mica schist, & loam. The grapes are spontaneously fermented in stainless steel, and the wine ages in steel with a small amount of neutral Austrian oak. Always crystal clear, animating and wholesome, herbs, citrus and fresh stone fruit. Playful but substantial texture, inviting acid kick, drinkable early on and yet with potential. Tasting the wines next to some of the other Wachau greats, it becomes apparent that elegance and pristine fruit is 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.

92 points, James Suckling. "This crisp and rather elegant dry Wachau riesling has so much delicate fruit! Bright white-cherry and white-peach aromas with a floral touch. Sleek body with precisely judged harmony, the acidity lively, but not at all strident. Drink or hold. Screw cap."