Alzinger Gruner Veltliner Durnstein Federspiel 2024

WINERY & IMPORTER NOTES:

"CHARACTER: The Dürnsteiner Federspiel Grüner Veltliner is an elegant example of what Grüner can be, always crystal clear, animating and wholesome, with herbs, citrus, and fresh stone fruit.

Inviting and fruity; often yellow apple and fine vegetal aromas; delicate and filigree texture; animating and juicy finish

VINEYARD: The Danube River leaves its mark on the plains in Loiben and Dürnstein. Gravel, sand, and sediments form the basis for this Veltliner, which is juicy and elegant, a perfect example of a fruity Federspiel version.

BACKGROUND INFO: In the early 1980s, Leo Alzinger began producing wines that emphasized their origins and told their stories with precision. At the time, this was a novelty in the Wachau region. Today, we are proud to be considered pioneers of this cool, clear style.

Leo Alzinger Jr. took over the family domaine in 2002 after returning from harvest in New Zealand. Prior to that he traveled to other regions to gain more experience and was fortunate to spend time with legendary winemaker Hans Günter Schwarz just prior to his retirement in 2002.  ‘The most significant experience came with my work in the Pfalz at Müller-Catoir in the vintage 2000. Hans Günter Schwarz revealed things in the cellar, small details that gave stronger impressions of vineyard and place. He taught me not to be afraid of skin contact, that good grapes will give good phenols, for example. How important work with the lees is and many other things.’

Harvest at Alzinger happens later than some of Leo’s neighbors in Unterloiben, something he attributes to old vines and the specific exposition of his parcels. The extra time on the vine doesn’t increase sugar levels, Leo says, but rather pushes physiological ripeness to greater balance. Alzinger crushes whole cluster with a short maceration, then allows the must to settle for 24 hours, dropping any green tannins out. 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."