The grapes for Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel came from the steeply terraced vineyards of the Wachau Valley. The wine is called Terrassen, which means grapes from small terraced vineyards on either side of the Danube River are blended together. Federspiel is the middle tier of qualitative classification in the Wachau region, higher than Steinfeder but not as high as Smaragd.
Domäne Wachau's Winery Director Roman Horvath and winemaker Heinz Frischengruber created a food-friendly wine from the stony earth, one that offers fabulous acidity as well as a distinct minerality. Alcohol hits only 12.5% abv and it sells for about $15, a steal.
This wine's nose features a strong floral element, quickly joined by a peach note which is not quite ripe. The expected minerals come next, with white pepper, lime and an herbal play following. The palate shows minerals in high definition with a tart fruit flavor in tow, possibly quince or apricot, either one a bit on the green side. I have tasted $15 wines that were better, but also ones which were much worse. A bit more ripeness would benefit this one, but then it might be trying to taste like California instead of Austria. It's just fine as is for pairing with summer salads.
