Variety: Riesling • Region: Wachau • Vineyard: Ried Loibenberg • Soil Type: Barren primary rock with shallow soils • Fermentation & Élevage: Spontaneously fermented in stainless steel then élevage in steel with a small amount of neutral Austrian oak
Ried Loibenberg:
The south-facing terraces of the Loibenberg store sun all day long and are considered the warmest in the Wachau. Between the first terraces at the foot of the slope and the last ones on the summit there are a good 200 meters in altitude. In addition, many vineyards are located in the shade of protective forests. In addition, ditches open to the north, the air of which allows the climate to cool down noticeably, especially at night. The Riesling is rooted in barren and shallow soils that promote a tighter style.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
Austria
Region:
Wachau
Appellation:
Wachau
Variety:
Riesling
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | AT-ALZ-23-23 | 6/750ml |
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
96
Date
2024-10-03
"An elegant and cool yet full-bodied riesling, both ripe and fresh, showing notes of lemon, white pear, honey and rosemary, even some persimmon. Crushed-stone minerality coming through. Long and composed. This will open up nicely. Try from 2025."
Vinous
Score
95-97
Date
2024-07-18
"The 2023 Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd is picked in one parcel of poor soil that is steep and a complete suntrap that becomes shaded in the afternoon, mixing the warm site with a cooler element. Yeast and a touch of passion fruit foliage set the tone on the nose. The palate is a picture of slenderness, tautness, citric tension and freshness. A stony backdrop heightens that sleekness and has the name Alzinger printed all over it. Taut, fresh and zesty. (Bone-dry)"
Jancis Robinson
Score
16.5+
Date
2024-10-22
"Mineral, crisp, lean. Passion fruit and stones, both in equal measure, combining to create a firm, mouth-watering savour. It's brawny Riesling, tasty now but feels like it's made more for the long haul. (TQT)"
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2023-09-13
2022
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2024-02-01
"The 2022 Riesling Loibenberg Smaragd is from one steep, convex parcel at higher elevation, shaded by a higher ridge in the late afternoon. For the warm Loibenberg, this is a rather cool spot. The nose is shy at first, with the merest crackle of reduction still hovering in the background. The palate is a picture of clarity, displaying pure, absolutely translucent citrus that shimmers with tangerine one moment and zestier Meyer lemon next. A slight backdrop of yeast buffers the undeniable stoniness and adds body and gentleness to this essentially taut, bright, smooth but super slender wine. The finish rings with zestiness—gentle and quiet but oh so definite. Purity and elegance characterize this wine absolutely. (Bone-dry)"
2022
Decanter
Score
95
Date
2024-07-25
"Although not quite as celebrated as some growers, Leo Alzinger and his son, also Leo, always produce outstanding wines. This classic style from Loibenberg has an intense and lean nose, with citrus and pear aromas. The attack is precise, showing concentration and finesse. Lime flavours dominate the palate, which is linear, zesty, and racy. Beautifully poised, this has a long filigree finish."
2022
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2024-06-12
"A silky, sleek version, offering floral charm, with juicy apple, green plum and peach flavors backed by complexity and dimension. Glistening in feel, with white pepper and fennel frond notes gilding the powerful frame. Succulent acidity guides this along, showing elegance and harmony. Drink now through 2032.—K.B."
2021
James Suckling
Score
96
Date
2022-09-14
2021
Wine Advocate
Score
93+
Date
2022-12-08
2020
James Suckling
Score
96
Date
2021-09-14
2019
Wine Enthusiast
Score
98
Date
2020-11-18
2019
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2021-12-20
2018
Wine Enthusiast
Score
96
Date
2020-05-05
2018
Wine Advocate
Score
92
Date
2020-04-01
2016
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2018-12-13
2016
Wine Advocate
Score
92
Date
2017-08-31
2015
Wine Advocate
Score
92-93
Date
2016-06-30
2015
Vinous
Score
90-91
Date
2017-02-23