Nikolaihof Riesling Federspiel 2021
We have 10 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land:
Nikolaihof, one of the Wachau’s oldest estates, sits on the Danube’s steep, terraced slopes, where gneiss and loess soils shape the character of its wines. The Wachau’s cool climate and dramatic diurnal shifts preserve the precision and structure of Riesling, while biodynamic farming enhances the vineyard’s natural vitality. This Federspiel-level wine, named for the Wachau’s designation of mid-weight, classically dry wines, captures the purity and minerality that define the region.
The Wine:
Hand-harvested from old vines and fermented with native yeasts, this Riesling is aged in large neutral oak casks, a hallmark of Nikolaihof’s traditional approach. The 2021 vintage is laser-focused and racy, showing crisp citrus, green apple, and stone fruit, with an undercurrent of wet slate and white pepper. Its brisk acidity and structured mid-palate make it both refreshing now and capable of short-term aging. Elegant, dry, and mineral-driven, it embodies classic Wachau precision.
The People:
Nikolaihof is a benchmark producer in the Wachau, farming biodynamically since the early 1970s—long before it became mainstream. The Saahs family’s commitment to holistic farming, extended aging, and traditional cellar practices results in wines that feel timeless yet alive. Their approach is one of patience and restraint, allowing the Wachau’s unique terroir to shine through with clarity and authenticity.
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The Wachau, widely considered Austria's premier wine region, is a breathtakingly beautiful valley along the Danube River, renowned for its powerful and dry expressions of both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. These two grapes are the stars here, producing wines that are typically full-bodied and structured, yet always maintain a signature Austrian freshness. The Wachau is unique in its own ripeness scale to categorize its wines: Steinfeder, a rarely seen lighter style, Federspiel, representing a balanced ripeness with vibrant acidity, and Smaragd, indicating riper, more exotic fruit, sometimes with a touch of botrytis depending on the producer's style. This region, with its steep, terraced vineyards and unique microclimates, is home to a concentration of Austria's very best producers, crafting wines that are benchmarks for both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling globally.
Austria - Wachau
Riesling is a truly noble grape, known for its incredibly high acidity and a flavor profile that can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet. Germany is its heartland, and it's responsible for some of the world's most age-worthy examples, but Riesling also thrives in Austria, where it usually is dry. In Alsace, it takes on a slightly richer texture, while in parts of Australia, like the Clare and Eden Valleys, it displays a uniquely powerful and lime-tinged aromatic profile. This is a grape that has no problem showcasing its origins, and it's a fantastic example of how one variety can show many different expressions, each with its own unique appeal.
