# Hochstrasser Grüner Veltliner Federspiel (2022)

- **Producer:** Weingut Alzinger
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grüner Veltliner
- **Region:** Niederösterreich, Austria
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** white pepper, sage, grapefruit, lime

## About this wine

The Alzinger Hochstrasser Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2022 hails from the renowned Wachau region of Austria, produced by Weingut Alzinger. This wine is distinguished by its puristic expression and pronounced minerality, reflecting the specific terroir of the Hochstrasser vineyard, which combines weathered rock and sandy loess soils. The Alzinger estate, a family-run operation, is dedicated to crafting wines of finesse and precision, a philosophy embodied in this particular Grüner Veltliner. The 2022 vintage is characterized by its freshness and vibrant acidity, contributing to the wine's elegant and light-footed profile.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Hochstrasser' vineyard boasts a unique soil mix: weathered rock from Loibenberg and sandy loess.
- Alzinger's philosophy is 'finesse over power, precision over breadth'.
- This wine is considered the most mineral and puristic among Alzinger's Federspiels.
- The Federspiel classification signifies a lighter, fruitier style of Wachau wine.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through richer sauces and complements the natural sweetness of seafood. Its subtle herbal and citrus notes bridge well with fresh herbs and zesty dressings, while its minerality harmonizes with the clean flavors of fish and vegetables.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Weingut Alzinger for the Hochstrasser Grüner Veltliner Federspiel 2022 emphasizes purity and terroir expression. Grapes are hand-harvested from old vines, ensuring quality fruit. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures to preserve freshness and varietal character. The wine then undergoes aging solely in stainless steel, a technique that highlights the grape's intrinsic qualities and the minerality derived from the vineyard's unique soil composition. This approach aligns with the estate's philosophy of prioritizing finesse and precision in their winemaking.