Alzinger 'Ried Loibenberg' Grüner Veltliner Smaragd, Wachau, Austria 2022
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Weingut Alzinger, a family-run estate in the Wachau, is renowned for its precise and terroir-expressive wines. Under the guidance of Leo Alzinger Jr., the winery emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard, particularly the esteemed Ried Loibenberg.
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WINEMAKER: Leo Alzinger Jr.
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FARMING: Sustainable practices
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VARIETY: 100% Grüner Veltliner
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TERROIR: Ried Loibenberg is one of the Wachau's most prestigious vineyards, characterized by its south-facing terraces and diverse soils. The vineyard comprises approximately one-third gneiss and two-thirds loess soils, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth. The elevation varies significantly, with terraces ranging from the foot to the summit of the slope, allowing for a range of microclimates that enhance the wine's aromatic profile.
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VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal's purity and freshness.
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AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel, with a portion in neutral Austrian oak, enhancing texture without imparting overt oak flavors.
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TASTING NOTES: The 2022 vintage presents aromas of ripe white pome fruit, complemented by yeasty creaminess and hints of pear skin and white pepper. The palate is elegant and supple, featuring a fluid, slightly peppery core with pithy concentration, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish.
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FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted poultry, grilled seafood, or dishes featuring fresh herbs and light spices.
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SCORES:
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James Suckling: 94 – "A full-bodied yet elegant Grüner Veltliner with notes of fennel, grapefruit, pear, and crushed stone. Attractive herb undertones with a tannin touch on a long and textured finish."
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Vinous: 93 – "Yeasty creaminess is immediately evident on the nose, while more swirling brings some pear skin and pepper. The palate delves into this yeastiness but adds lovely tension to its fluid, slightly peppery core that has some pithy concentration."
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Wine Advocate: 93 – "Ripe white pome fruit on the nose leads to a densely knit, concentrated palate reminiscent of a tropical fruit cocktail, but thankfully one with a firm, long structure and plenty of mineral substance."
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Weingut Alzinger, a family-run estate in the Wachau, is renowned for its precise and terroir-expressive wines. Under the guidance of Leo Alzinger Jr., the winery emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard, particularly the esteemed Ried Loibenberg.
-
WINEMAKER: Leo Alzinger Jr.
-
FARMING: Sustainable practices
-
VARIETY: 100% Grüner Veltliner
-
TERROIR: Ried Loibenberg is one of the Wachau's most prestigious vineyards, characterized by its south-facing terraces and diverse soils. The vineyard comprises approximately one-third gneiss and two-thirds loess soils, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth. The elevation varies significantly, with terraces ranging from the foot to the summit of the slope, allowing for a range of microclimates that enhance the wine's aromatic profile.
-
VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, preserving the varietal's purity and freshness.
-
AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel, with a portion in neutral Austrian oak, enhancing texture without imparting overt oak flavors.
-
TASTING NOTES: The 2022 vintage presents aromas of ripe white pome fruit, complemented by yeasty creaminess and hints of pear skin and white pepper. The palate is elegant and supple, featuring a fluid, slightly peppery core with pithy concentration, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish.
-
FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with roasted poultry, grilled seafood, or dishes featuring fresh herbs and light spices.
-
SCORES:
-
James Suckling: 94 – "A full-bodied yet elegant Grüner Veltliner with notes of fennel, grapefruit, pear, and crushed stone. Attractive herb undertones with a tannin touch on a long and textured finish."
-
Vinous: 93 – "Yeasty creaminess is immediately evident on the nose, while more swirling brings some pear skin and pepper. The palate delves into this yeastiness but adds lovely tension to its fluid, slightly peppery core that has some pithy concentration."
-
Wine Advocate: 93 – "Ripe white pome fruit on the nose leads to a densely knit, concentrated palate reminiscent of a tropical fruit cocktail, but thankfully one with a firm, long structure and plenty of mineral substance."
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