Description
If you are new to the delights of Styria, Stephan Reinhardt recently wrote this excellent piece on the region for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: “The wines of Styria cannot be compared to those from the Danube. Although the majority of the wines are also white, the soils often are coral limestone or opok (marl), and where they are not, they are of volcanic origin. With the exception of Sauvignon Blanc, varieties known in Niederösterreich (Lower Austria) are also cultivated here, such as Chardonnay (which is often called Morillon in Styria), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Muscat. Grüner Veltliner, however, plays no role at all here in the south of Austria on the border with Slovenia or in the west within the province of Carinthia, and Pinot Noir also plays only a subordinate role. Riesling, on the other hand, is found here but really—in terms of relevant quantity and quality—only in the Kitzeck-Sausal, where dark, partly reddish-colored slate soils are predominant. Wohlmuth has [also] firmly established itself among the very best domaines in the region.”
From a very steep, predominantly terraced, south-facing 17-year-old vineyard. “Vinified in large oak and kept on the lees for 10 months, the 2020 Ried Dr. Wunsch Riesling offers an intense, ripe and concentrated stone fruit aroma intertwined with sur lie notes, while the iron-scented phyllite slate soils still remain in the background. The wine is intense and lush on the palate yet also precise and crystalline, with fine piquancy and, again, this herbal fruit concentration that gives a somewhat prominent performance in this young wine but will definitely be integrated by bottle aging. 12.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in December 2021.” – 93 points, Wine Advocate
“Bright yellow-green, silver reflections. Underpinned with a hint of orange zest, fine white peach, with tropical notes, light minerality and floral touch. Taut, white stone fruit, some saffron and ginger, full of finesse, very well-integrated acidity, textured and persistent, shows great precision and length, very good ageing potential.” – 94-96 points, Falstaff
Fresh, vibrant and dry! Beautiful crisp green apple, citrus-lime zest, salinity aromas with crushed stone nuance lurking for more intrigue. Pure like a mountain spring. Extended finish shows off the quenching acidity and promise!