Review: Hitzberger Setzberg 2002 Riesling
- vinterest
- Jul 17, 2015
- 1 min read
The low-down: We're in Austria for a week and are keenly sampling some of their local treats - we opened a 2004 Pfaffl chardonnay two days ago. Tonight it's Austria most prolific varietal: riesling!
Franz Hitzberger are a fifth generation family growing in the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley in Austria. They are known for a pure, mineral approach to wine-making. Their history traces to the late 1800s when they purchased their first vineyards near Spitz an der Donau in the Wachau Valley. Their growings stayed at around 15 ha until the 1980s when they expanded to the 30ha they have today. This 13 year old riesling is from Setzberg, the highest and one of their the best vineyards at 300m above sea level.
We picked this up retailing from Doeller in Golling, Austria for 37.5 Euros.
We recently opened an Aussie 1999 Petaluma riesling - curious to see who comes out on top on the Australia vs. Austria riesling challenge!
The take: The appearance is a very transparent, lemony yellow. The nose is weighty - with apricot and nuts. The attack is full-on: plenty of juicy acidity, sweet but dry on the palate, with a hint of blueberries. With time it reveals a gentle effervescence, more nutty flavours and a gentle spicy acidity.
In closing: Simply delicious!
Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: Austria
Region: Wachau Valley
Producer: Franz Hitzberger
Vintage: 2002
Grape: Riesling
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Premium
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