Luck would have it that just as I was contemplating what I was going to write about today a knock came at my door. I was surprised that it was the UPS guy with a box that needed to be signed for. Woopeee!! I had an instant opportunity to showcase a new and exciting wine at my fingertips.

Let me tell you what I found when I opened the carefully packed box. It was a couple of bottles of Domane Wachau Riesling Federspiel Terrassen 2011. I placed the bottles in the fridge and let them cool for a few hours and started my research.

Domane Wachau is located on the north bank of the Danube in a prestigious section of an area called Wachau. The winery is part of a successful cooperative of over 250 growers and the winery itself. Overall, the group controls over one-third of all production for the region. Their focus is Riesling and Gruner Veltliner, with the push to produce only the highest qualities of wine called Federspiel and Smaragd.

The philosophy at Domane Wachau is to create great wines in the regions fantastic and beautiful Terrassen (Terraced Vineyards). As Ive learned, most great wines in the world are actually created on the vine, and carefully cured in the facility. Domane Wachau believes heartily in Benevolent Neglect in the winery itself.

The winemaker, Heinz Frischengruber, is an oenologist who has been recognized as one of the greats of Austrian winemaking. He was awarded the newcomer of the year in 2007, and has gone on to be the regions managing director of oenology.

Now, lets talk about the wine! Having done all the research that I did, I learned that the wine is considered to be one of their best. Federspiel is considered to be of the highest registered quality, however the winery does produce a series of single vineyard production Federspiel that is rare and of the highest quality.

There were 9,000 cases of this stuff produced, which is a lot, but in terms of world distribution isnt much. Its $13 per bottle price tag makes it very approachable and fun. So how does this baby taste? I found the wine to have great aromas of peaches and apricot mixed with white pepper and minerality. Flavors of peach, pepper, and spice are balanced by great levels of acidity and a bright, dry finish. I paired this with some soft cheeses and crusty bread. I know you could pair this with roasted squash or pumpkin soup for a really great meal.

You can find out more about this wine by going to www.domanewachau.au.

If you are really interested in trying this wine ask your local wine shop of choice.

Cheers!