Riesling Amphora

Riesling aged in clay amphorae – this is not a passing fad, but a return to the roots of winemaking. The Amphora from Domäne Wachau demonstrates what happens when one of Austria's most prestigious wineries works with this ancient vessel: a white wine with the structure of a red wine, unfiltered and uncompromising.

For decades, the Wachau estate has cultivated the steep terraces of the Danube Valley west of Krems. The Wachau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—primary rock soils of gneiss and mica schist, extreme temperature differences between day and night, and Riesling as the king of grape varieties. Amphora aging without filtration is the logical next step: maximum expression of origin, minimal intervention.

In the glass, a delicate golden yellow with bronze highlights. The nose offers beeswax, honeydew melon, and an exotic seed, along with biscuit, cloves, and juniper. On the palate, an unexpected density unfolds: fine tannins meet vibrant acidity, accompanied by caramel, a hint of marzipan, ripe stone fruit, and dark chocolate on the finish. Astringent, powerful, and exceptionally long-lasting.

• Serving temperature: 12–14 °C
• Dishes: Veal sweetbreads, scallops with butter sauce, aged mountain cheese or robust Asian curries
• Occasion: When you want to show guests that Riesling is capable of much more than just lightness