Steinertal Grüner Veltliner Smaragd
2023
Weingut Alzinger is located on a magnificent stretch of the Danube 65km west of Vienna, on a majestic bend where the great river sweeps past Unterloiben in the region of Wachau. This is surely one of the most spectacular wine regions in the world, so stunningly beautiful that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which as the Alzinger website proudly proclaims, makes it “coequal to the pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China “. This is a very special...
See the ALZINGER detail page for more information on this brand
Steinertal is an extremely complex location that offers optimal terrain for both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The situation turns a little to the southwest, so in the evening always gets some heat, which are relativized by air currents from the north accordingly. The ground thickness varies considerably, as does the temperature within the location. The foundation of the Grüner Veltliner lies in the lower and deeper terraces, although here too, despite a slightly creamier texture, vital acidity and profound minerality set the tone.
This Grüner Veltliner from the Steinertal vineyard offers a complex nose of white pepper, ripe pear, green apple, and subtle citrus zest. The palate is elegant and structured, with vibrant acidity and a stony minerality that reflects the terroir. Notes of herbal spice and a hint of tropical fruit emerge, leading to a long, refreshing finish with a touch of salinity.
This brilliant and concentrated Wachau gruner veltliner has a wealth of green bean, summer vegetable and garden herb aromas that I could study for hours. Super straight on the medium-bodied palate, with enormous mineral freshness driving the super-long finish. Long aging potential.
See detailed press review
The 2022 Grüner Veltliner Steinertal Smaragd is the easternmost terraced single-site of the Wachau, on the border to Kremstal and its Pfaffenberg. While this is at the warmer end of the Wachau, two gullies bring down cold air from the forested top and create a high day-night amplitude. Peppery fern and green pear skin have a creamy, salty aspect on the subtle nose. The palate tingles with pepper on a very fine, taut, bright body that is both slender and stony. Grüner's creaminess washes over like surf over immovable rocks. This is a statuesque, smooth, taut wine, with a haunting pepperiness on the finish. (Bone-dry)
See detailed press review
Medium bodied and juicy, this white is filled with plenty of white pepper which frames the core of peach and dried apricot flavors dominate. It turns almost creamy on the finish, featuring pineapple cake notes
See detailed press review
The 2023 Grüner Veltliner Steinertal Smaragd is picked on this terraced gneiss site, cooled by cold Waldviertel air that is channeled through gullies. Spicy ferns are open and enticing on the nose. A lovely frisson of white pepper is carried on lemony juiciness. The palate has the customary cut, the usual precision and exquisite tension. This is masterful, yet it has the mellower creaminess of 2023 without sacrificing its essential, cool character. The mid-palate concentrates pepper and yeast. Great work. (Bone-dry)
See detailed press review