Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen - Hirtzberger

The Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen from Hirtzberger in the Wachau presents itself in the glass with a bright, clear, straw-yellow color, shot through with delicate greenish reflections that emphasize its youthful freshness and whet the appetite for the first sip. Even while pouring, fine, dense aromas rise from the glass, reminiscent of ripe pineapple, juicy tangerine, and aromatic mango, clearly highlighting the character of this single-varietal Riesling. On the nose, the wine appears very precise and crystal-clear. The pineapple shows itself as a mix of ripe fruit and a subtle citrus accent, while the tangerine evokes notes of peel, segments, and delicate zest. Added to this are mango aromas reminiscent of juicy flesh, fine exoticism, and a hint of tropical breeze. These aromas merge with a touch of wet stone, fine herbal spice, and delicate floral nuances, creating a bouquet that feels elegant, inviting, and at the same time deep. On the palate, the wine is dry, clear, and taut, with marked yet finely integrated acidity. The fruit comes across as juicy and precise, never heavy. The pineapple contributes a bright, vibrant sweetness in impression, the tangerine brings freshness, sparkle, and gentle bitterness from the peel, while the mango fills out the body with a creamy, soft structure. The typical Riesling minerality of the Steinterrassen runs across the palate like a fine, salty thread, reinforcing the inner tension of the wine. The texture is silky yet firm, with good drive and a clear line all the way into the long, juicy finish. The acidity remains fine, feels cool and precise, and supports the fruit like a framework. This creates a flow on the palate that is engaging without being demanding. The wine appears elegant and focused, with the cool expression of the Wachau and a clearly defined sense of place. Particularly appealing is the interplay between the exotic aromas and the cool structure. The fruit unfolds in a subtle sequence: 1. First, the pineapple appears, ripe, juicy, and with a slight citrus kick. 2. Then comes the tangerine with spicy peel notes, freshness, and a gentle sweetness in impression. 3. After that, the mango steps in, rounding out the body and giving the wine substance. 4. Behind this, stony notes emerge, reminiscent of wet rock and a cool rock face. 5. In the finish, citrus, salt, stone, and a hint of exotic fruit remain. As it sits in the glass, the wine opens up further. Air brings more tangerine, a nuance of orange zest, plus a hint of white blossoms and fine herbs reminiscent of lemon balm and fresh mint. An elegant, structured white wine that both impresses spontaneously and reveals more facets with every sip. ## Vinification of the Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen from Hirtzberger The grapes for the Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen - Hirtzberger come from steep terraced sites in the Wachau in Lower Austria. These vineyards are characterized by sparse primary rock soils with plenty of slate and gneiss, which provide the vines with little nutrient supply, but excellent conditions for deep-rooting vines and slow, even ripening. The climate, with warm days and cool nights, keeps the fruit clear and aromatic. The vines are carefully trained, with consistent canopy management and yield control. This allows the grapes to ripen evenly and retain their tension. Deliberate cover crops between the rows strengthen the soils and promote freshness in the wine. The estate focuses on a gentle approach to nature and observes each parcel very closely throughout the year to determine the optimal harvest time. Harvesting is done selectively by hand. Only ripe berries make it into the crates. Several passes through the vineyard are possible in order to pick each terrace at its ideal stage. The grapes are brought quickly to the cellar to avoid oxidation and to preserve the clear fruit of pineapple, tangerine, and mango. In the cellar, careful pressing follows, often with a short period of skin contact to extract fine aromatic compounds and structure without drawing out harsh bitter elements. After an initial settling phase, the must is fermented under temperature control. This keeps the varietal aromas pure, precise, and multi-layered. Fermentation usually takes place in stainless steel tanks to emphasize the cool, mineral side of Riesling and the typical Federspiel style. A portion may remain on the fine lees to refine the texture and provide a subtle creaminess. After fermentation, the wine matures for several months on the fine lees. Regular stirring can add extra grip and mouthfeel but is always carried out with restraint so that the tension is preserved. The maturation aims for clarity, elegance, and fluidity on the palate. In this way, a wine is created that captures the Wachau landscape, the steep stone terraces, and the Hirtzberger style with precision in the bottle. Before bottling, the Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen - Hirtzberger is gently filtered to preserve its clear structure. Bottling is done with care so that the wine can show its freshness and delicate fruit for a long time and also offers potential to evolve. ## Food recommendations for the Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen from Hirtzberger With its dry character, precise acidity, and aromas of pineapple, tangerine, and mango, the Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen - Hirtzberger is a versatile companion at the table. It is an ideal match for refined, aromatic cuisine where freshness and clear flavors are at the forefront. This wine pairs particularly well with fish, light poultry dishes, and aromatic Asian cuisine. The exotic fruit notes underline the spices, while the juicy acidity balances spice and richness. Vegetarian cuisine with plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs also finds an elegant partner in this Riesling. Concrete dish ideas for this wine: - Pan-fried pike-perch on lemon risotto with young leaf spinach - Baked char fillet with fennel, orange segments, and herbs - Roast chicken with root vegetables, tangerine zest, and thyme - Pan-seared prawns with garlic, chili, and lime on an Asian vegetable mix - Tuna tartare with sesame, soy, coriander, and a hint of mango chutney - Fresh summer rolls with vegetables, glass noodles, and herbs, served with a lime dip - Light couscous salad with mango, cucumber, mint, and toasted nuts - Goat’s cheese terrine with herbs, honey, tangerine segments, and toasted bread The Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen - Hirtzberger also performs very well as an aperitif. Its clear, fresh style stimulates the appetite and sets the tone for the following courses. Served well chilled, it shows its delicate fruit, the minerality of the Steinterrassen, and a structure that appeals both to connoisseurs and to curious newcomers.

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