Austria is a tiny place, with 99% of the wine production crammed into a tiny corner in the eastern foothills of the Alps. What it lacks in size is more than made up for in... Read More

Austria is a tiny place, with 99% of the wine production crammed into a tiny corner in the eastern foothills of the Alps. What it lacks in size is more than made up for in quality terroir, talented winemakers and a wide array of styles. The Wachau is Austria's greatest terroir. Picking your favorite producer is a more difficult task—but without a doubt, Franz Hirtzberger is one of the best.

His wines are luxurious but not garish, opulent but not showy. Franz Hirtzberger is as meticulous in the vineyards as the cellar. He doesn't control the environment around him as much as coax its potential into being. Most wines include some botrytis berries (those affected by Noble Rot), adding layers of complexity and velvety texture. This has made him and F.X. Pichler (now Lucas Pichler) icons of the Wachau.

While Pichler’s wines demonstrate richness and power, Hirtzbergers wines are the paradigm of crisp mineral purity. Their vineyards climb the steep hill that leads down to the Danube like stairs, allowing for optimal sun exposure. Both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling flourish as well as a smattering of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc plantings. With the steep angle of exposure, influence of the river and glacial geology strongly influence all their wines.