Wines Kamptal DAC Steininger - Ried Steinhaus Riesling - 2023

The Steininger Cuvée Ried Steinhaus Riesling 2023 is a distinguished white wine from the esteemed Kamptal region within Niederösterreich, Austria. This 2023 vintage is crafted exclusively from Riesling, a variety globally recognised for its ability to express both purity of fruit and the unique characteristics of its terroir. The Ried Steinhaus vineyard, notable for its stony soils, lends the wine a pronounced minerality and vibrant structure. Vinification at Steininger typically emphasises precision and clarity, with a focus on stainless steel fermentation to preserve aromatic intensity and freshness, resulting in a wine that combines zesty citrus and stone fruit notes with a refreshing, steely backbone. Expect flavours of lime, white peach, and a touch of green apple, underpinned by crisp acidity and a clean, lingering finish.

Kamptal is one of Austria’s celebrated wine regions, thriving due to its unique climatic combination of cool influences from the nearby Waldviertel and warm pannonian breezes from the east. This dynamic fosters a pronounced diurnal temperature variation, which, together with the region’s varied soils—particularly the gneiss and slate of sites like Ried Steinhaus—promotes complexity, aromatic concentration, and a signature minerality in its wines. The history of viticulture in Kamptal is rich, with vintners honing their craft over centuries to highlight the region’s potential for world-class dry whites, particularly from Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.

Pairing options for this dry Riesling are abundant. Its lively acidity and mineral edge make it an excellent match for refined seafood dishes such as grilled trout, scallops, or oysters. Traditional Austrian pairings like Wiener schnitzel or a vegetable strudel are delicious choices as well, since the wine's freshness cuts through richer textures. Asian-inspired cuisine, particularly lightly spiced dishes with ginger or lemongrass, also complements its aromatic profile.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Steininger Ried Steinhaus Riesling 2023 chilled, ideally at 8-10°C. This temperature showcases its aromatic complexity and crisp, mineral-driven palate. A medium-sized white wine glass will focus its bouquet, and decanting is not necessary. The wine’s vivacity makes it refreshing now, but it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next several years if aged in good cellar conditions.