Weingut Steininger Ried Heiligenstein Riesling Grosse Reserve Sekt Brut 2019 750ml

Product Info

94pts Falstaff
Medium yellow-green, silver reflections, delicate, fine-pearled mousse. Candied orange zest, ripe tropical fruit, some saffron, a hint of dried apricots, mineral touch. Juicy, white stone fruit, finesse-rich structure, salty-lemony finish, lingers well, appears light-footed and already accessible, an elegant aperitif and fine food companion. (Deg. 9/24).

Terroir
The Ried Heiligenstein vineyard is one of the most revered sites in Kamptal, celebrated for its dramatic terraces and rare volcanic sandstone and conglomerate soils. These ancient, iron-rich formations impart a distinctive mineral profile and structural tension that set Heiligenstein apart from other Austrian Riesling sites. Steep slopes, excellent sun exposure, and cooling evening winds from the surrounding forests and the Kamp River create ideal conditions for preserving acidity while achieving full phenolic maturity.

The 2019 vintage in Kamptal delivered outstanding balance, combining ripe fruit expression with precision and freshness. These conditions were especially favorable for high-quality base wines destined for extended aging, providing the concentration, acidity, and mineral backbone required for a serious, long-lived Sekt.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
This Sekt is produced exclusively from 100% Riesling grown in Ried Heiligenstein and crafted according to the traditional method. After primary fermentation, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and is aged extensively on its lees, qualifying it as a Grosse Reserve, Austria’s highest tier of sparkling wine.

Extended lees aging builds depth, texture, and complexity, while preserving the vineyard’s signature mineral drive. Disgorgement is carried out with precision, and the wine is finished in a Brut style, allowing clarity, structure, and terroir expression to remain at the forefront. The approach balances technical rigor with restraint, resulting in a sparkling wine that is both powerful and refined.

Tasting Notes
The 2019 Ried Heiligenstein Riesling Grosse Reserve opens with a complex, finely layered aromatic profile of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, interwoven with notes of crushed stone, flint, and subtle herbal nuance. Hints of brioche, toasted almond, and pastry cream emerge from extended lees contact, adding sophistication without overshadowing the fruit.

On the palate, the wine is precise and energetic, driven by laser-focused acidity and a firm mineral core. Citrus and orchard fruit flavors unfold with remarkable clarity, supported by fine, persistent mousse and a creamy yet taut texture. The volcanic character of the site asserts itself through the mid-palate, lending a smoky, saline edge that carries through to the finish.

The finish is long, dry, and resonant, marked by lingering citrus peel, chalky minerality, and a quiet savory depth that speaks to both place and time.

Food Pairing & Service
This Riesling-based Sekt is exceptionally versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with oysters, shellfish, smoked fish, sushi, and refined vegetable dishes. Its structure and complexity also allow it to complement richer fare such as roast poultry, veal, or dishes with subtle cream or butter sauces.

Serve well-chilled at 44–48°F (7–9°C) in a white wine glass to fully appreciate its aromatic range and textural depth. While already showing remarkable poise, this wine has the structure to evolve gracefully for 10 years or more, gaining additional complexity with further bottle age.