Wines Wachau DAC Franz Hirtzberger - Steinterrassen - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The Franz Hirtzberger Cuvée Steinterrassen 2019 is a dry white wine crafted in the celebrated Wachau DAC of Niederösterreich, Austria. This cuvée combines several white varietals typical of the region, with Grüner Veltliner and Riesling likely to play prominent roles, considering the producer’s focus and the appellation’s heritage. The 2019 vintage benefitted from a warm, yet balanced growing season, allowing the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining the signature freshness and aromatic intensity that Wachau whites are famed for. The grapes for this wine are typically hand-harvested from the steep, terraced vineyards that define the Steinterrassen designation, followed by careful vinification in stainless steel or large neutral barrels which preserve purity of fruit and delicate mineral notes.

Wachau, nestled along the banks of the Danube, is one of Austria’s most prestigious wine regions. The steep, ancient stone terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provide a unique microclimate: warm days foster grape ripeness, while cool nights lock in acidity and aromatic nuance. The soils are largely composed of weathered primary rock (gneiss, granite, slate), offering excellent drainage and imparting a compelling minerality to the wines. Wachau’s history stretches back to Roman times; today, it is renowned for producing some of Europe’s most graceful and long-lived dry whites.

This Cuvée Steinterrassen is vibrant and precise, marked by citrus, green apple and subtle stone fruit, with undertones of white pepper and wet stone. Food pairings should echo its freshness and minerality. Classic Viennese dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Backhendl work beautifully, as do freshwater fish like pike-perch or trout with lemon and herbs. It will also harmonise with light Asian-inspired cuisine, such as sushi or Thai salads with lemongrass and lime.

For best enjoyment, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, between 9 and 11°C. Open the bottle shortly before serving to allow the wine’s complex bouquet to unfurl. This wine can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruit, but it also has excellent ageing potential in a well-kept cellar.