In the glass
Aroma: apricot, peach, citrus
Palate: structured acidity, mineral
Falkenstein Riesling from Naturno-Vinschgau on sandy soils interspersed with granite, gneiss, slate, mica and quartz: stone-fruit aromatics of apricot and peach with citrus elements, structured acidity and distinctive mineral qualities.
What it pairs with
-
Trout with herbs
Mountain trout and Riesling's mineral lift share an alpine palate. -
Veal escalope with lemon
Riesling's citrus core meets veal-and-lemon classics directly. -
Vietnamese pho
Riesling's apricot and peach handle ginger and basil with care. -
Wiener Schnitzel
Crisp veal and Riesling's mineral acidity are canonical partners.
History
Falkenstein is a Naturno (Naturns) grower estate run by the Pratzner family in the Vinschgau valley. Riesling has been part of the cellar since 1995 and remains the cellar's flagship variety.
- 1995 — First Falkenstein Riesling vintage produced
Facts
- Producer
- Falkenstein
- Grapes
- Riesling
- Classification
- DOC Alto Adige Vinschgau
- Oak
- Fermentation and maturation in large acacia barrels for 10 months on coarse lees, followed by 5 months of bottle ageing
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 28-38 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1995
Frequently asked about Falkenstein Riesling
What does Falkenstein Riesling taste like?
Stone-fruit aromatics of apricot and peach with citrus elements; structured acidity and distinctive mineral qualities from sandy soils interspersed with granite, gneiss, slate, mica and quartz.
When should I drink Falkenstein Riesling?
Drink between 5 and 15 years from vintage. The acacia-barrel ageing (10 months on coarse lees) builds structure that supports long cellaring.
How is Falkenstein Riesling aged?
Fermentation and maturation in large acacia barrels for 10 months on coarse lees, followed by 5 months of bottle ageing. The acacia (rather than oak) preserves the variety's mineral signature.
Where is Falkenstein located?
In Naturno (Naturns) in the Vinschgau (Val Venosta) valley, the dry westernmost reach of Alto Adige - a continental climate that suits Riesling and Pinot Bianco.