2020 Alzinger ‘Ried Steinertal’ Riesling Smaragd

An extraordinary single-vineyard Riesling of precision and poise.

A collector’s wine of true depth and distinction.

97 Points – Falstaff | 96 Points – JamesSuckling.com

Wachau, Austria
RRP $105 | Single-Vineyard Riesling | Mineral • Complex • Age-Worthy

“An extraordinary single-vineyard Riesling of precision and poise — shimmering fruit purity, fine-boned minerality and a finish that lasts for minutes.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale straw-gold with silver reflections — bright, pure and elegant.
Aroma: Lime blossom, white peach and apricot intertwine with crushed rock, flint, and delicate herbal spice.
Palate: Focused and detailed. Citrus and stone-fruit intensity ride a spine of electric acidity and mineral tension. Silky and seamless, with depth and texture emerging as it opens.
Finish: Long, saline and ethereal — an echo of lime, chalk and subtle spice that lingers beautifully.

Critical Acclaim

• 97 Points – Falstaff
  “Superbly structured with depth, precision and drive. Citrus zest, herbs and mineral spice framed by energy and elegance. Steinertal in top form — powerful yet refined.”

• 96 Points – JamesSuckling.com
  “Complex aromas of lime, peach and crushed stone. Focused, sleek and harmonious with vivid acidity and a very long, salty finish. Outstanding.”

Vineyard & Winemaking

The Ried Steinertal Vineyard, sitting high above Dürnstein and Loiben, is one of the coolest and most mineral-focused sites in the Wachau.
Its steep terraces of gneiss and mica-schist yield Rieslings known for precision, purity and exceptional longevity.

At Weingut Alzinger, every step champions delicacy and detail:

• Hand-harvested fruit from steep stone terraces

• Whole-bunch pressing for aromatic purity

• Slow, natural fermentation in stainless steel

• Aged on fine lees to enhance texture and length

The result is a Riesling that perfectly captures the soul of Steinertal — linear, expressive and deeply mineral.

Region

Wachau, Austria – Smaragd Classification
“Smaragd” represents the pinnacle of Wachau wines — full-bodied, complex and capable of decades of aging.
From Steinertal’s cool, rocky terraces, this Riesling shows power through precision, offering unmatched purity and tension.

Food Pairings

• Grilled lobster or scallops with citrus beurre blanc

• Roast duck or quail with orange glaze

• Thai or Vietnamese dishes with lemongrass

• Sushi, sashimi or delicate seafood dishes

• Aged alpine cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère

Why We Love It

The 2020 Alzinger ‘Ried Steinertal’ Riesling Smaragd is a monument of clarity and craftsmanship — vibrant fruit and laser-sharp minerality in perfect balance.
Awarded 97 points by Falstaff and 96 by James Suckling, this is one of the defining Austrian Rieslings of its vintage.

Graceful today yet structured for decades of evolution — a collector’s wine of true depth and distinction.

Crystalline. Focused. Profound.
The 2020 Alzinger ‘Ried Steinertal’ Riesling Smaragd is a 97-point masterpiece — the pinnacle of precision and purity.