Austrian Riesling

Reviewing 12 great whites

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2007 Weingut Hajszan Riesling Pfaffenberg 12% $40

A nicely layered nose of incipient petrol, apricot, jasmine, quartz and iron all seep from the glass. This enters with vibrant acids and a wonderfully precise feel. Very fresh in the mouth with a slow to emerge richness that shows the edge of evolution here. The fruit is fresh, sweet and pure, but it’s well backed up with a nice, almost steely minerality. So well-balanced with great follow through and really fine energy. You can knock the finish (it’s two-toned with citrus and mineral elements and a bit short), but this has an elegant feel and real finesse. 91pts

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56328
56328 CGESchille-
r

56328 19

Mayer am Pfarrplatz in Vienna is not only an outstanding winery, belonging to the WienWein group, but also a fantastic "Heuriger", i.e. wine tavern. I enjoyed very much an evening at the Mayer am Pfarrplatz last year with the WienWein makers group http://schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2... The "Gemischte Satz" - field blend - is increasingly becoming popular in Vienna.

Jul 21, 2011 at 12:05 PM
889702
889702 Lolita-
Rojo

889702 20

Excellent selection, now I know what was missing in my cellar. Thanks!

Jul 21, 2011 at 2:20 PM
558655
558655 Tollig

558655 4

Dismayed at the prices? Why is it that Riesling is always undervalued. People gladly pay huge amounts for chardonnay, from burgundy or elsewhere, but complain if a good quality riesling cost more than $25. Top quality German and Austrian Riesling are among the best white wines in the world. If anything,they should cost more.

Jul 21, 2011 at 4:48 PM
401720
401720 Snoother-
401720

401720 1

.... and what in the blue blazes is "butcher's wax". Hoist on your own petard, Gregory. Just too, too pretentious.

Jul 21, 2011 at 8:26 PM
876027
876027 Wienerwein-
lover

876027 1

I have the benefiit of living in Vienna (not far from Mayer am Pfarrplatz). The value of the wine in Austria should not be in dispute. Also the tendency is to get what you pay for.
The best white wines are long lasting but drink well from an early age. The Rieslings can be magnificent but so too the signature grape, Gruener Veltliner (also most versatile) and there are some stunning Sauvignon Blanc (complex and long). Most of the wine is drunk within Austria (sadly for the rest of you) but some excellent ones escape the border. I have the Prager Klaus in my collection. I recommend it.

Jul 22, 2011 at 1:53 AM
451384
451384 kmackie

451384 2

You missed the winery, which I believe makes the best Austrian Riesling and that is Weingut Tegernseerhof! Well priced and UNBELIEVABLE quality!

Jul 22, 2011 at 8:26 AM