2024 Alzinger, Leo - Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd (750ml)

Leo Alzinger Jr. took charge of his family's estate in Unterloiben in 2002, arriving with formal training and hands on experience gathered in Germany and New Zealand. The domaine covers roughly eleven and a half hectares along the Danube, with parcels split between two of the valley's finest sites, Loibenberg and Steinertal. Riesling is reserved for the higher, rockier ground at Loibenberg, while Grüner Veltliner takes the lower, loess based plots, a division that reflects Alzinger's careful reading of each vineyard's character.

Loibenberg's south facing terraces are considered the warmest exposure in the Wachau, built on barren primary rock with thin, infertile soil. Some parcels sit shaded beneath forest cover, and cool air draining down the slope at night helps preserve freshness even in this sun drenched corner of the valley. Grapes are picked by hand once fully ripe, crushed whole cluster, left to macerate for about a day, then fermented at controlled temperatures using selected yeasts, entirely without oak.

The wine shows dark mineral tones layered with vineyard peach and candied orange zest, unfolding into a juicy, medium to full bodied palate of yellow stone fruit with a faint whisper of cumin and curry leaf. Serve it with grilled octopus, curried chicken, or a semi firm cheese.