Bottle Notes - 2023 Riesling Federspiel DAC Stein am Rain from Weingut Familie Schmelz

After sampling the well-balanced and food-friendly 2024 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel DAC Ried Pichl Point, I’m moving on the the 2023 Riesling Federspiel DAC Stein am Rain from Weingut Familie Schmelz for this “bottle notes” session.

Ried Stein am Rain is a vineyard site in Joching in the Wachau wine region of Austria where the Schmelz family tends to their vineyards.

The vineyard is located close to the Danube river at an elevation of 203 to 230 meters above sea level.

The terroir of Ried Stein am Rain is characterized by a mix of weathered primary rock and loess, which contributes to the wine's complexity and minerality. This site is specifically influenced by the warm, dry Pannonian climate from the east and cooler, humid winds from the Waldviertel and Dunkelsteiner Forest, creating a distinct climate.

Wines from this vineyard, particularly those classified as Federspiel, are known for their elegance and lightness. Stein am Rain Federspiel wines are also known for presenting a complex aroma profile.

Now to the wine!

Overall, this a delicious young Riesling!

The first thoughts that come to mind are that it is very linear and true to the fruit.

Pale gold in appearance, the nose presents notes of ripe nectarine, baked pineapple, freshly peeled ginger, and sweet basil.

On the palate, further notes of kiwi, clover honey, and jasmine tea are present.

The wine has a refreshing acidity and soft palate with good length. This is a wine that makes you smile. It's bright and refreshing, perfect for a sunny day on the porch or in the park.

There’s something exotic about this wine, evoking numerous senses and being both refreshing and light, but distinctive and something to truly savor.

This can be drank on it's own, or paired with lighter appetizers and meals, such as caprese salad, a flammkuchen with pear and gorgonzola cheese, or a leek and potato soup! This wine is drinking beautifully now, but I believe can be aged well to 2030 to draw out additional tertiary notes.