The name Hirtzberger carries a lot of weight in Austria's Wachau region, and Mathias is the latest among the family to strike out on his own as a winemaker. Leaving a career in finance to take on the vineyards of a retiring family member in the village of Wosendorf in 2014, he has quickly established himself as a producer to watch with his stunningly pure expressions of Riesling and Gruner Veltliner.
The Zier Riesling Federspiel comes from four of the highest sites above the village, Kollmitz, Gaisberg, Ralais and Pluris, which only reach ripeness late into October. This long growing season helps the development of complex and intense flavour, without compromising on minerality or freshness.
On the nose citrus fruits dominate, with hints of green herbs, passionfruit and smoky minerals. The palate is precise and intense, with minerality to the fore and stunning length of flavour. Absolutely delicious now but also certain to cellar nicely if you desire. Try it with oily fish or roast pork.