Prager’s 2024 Riesling Federspiel Steinriegl is a dry, single-vineyard Riesling from the Wachau DAC in Austria, made from 100% Riesling and bottled under the Vinea Wachau “Federspiel” designation. In practice, that signals a restrained, unchaptalized style and moderate ripeness; this release sits at 12% alcohol with 2.5 g/L residual sugar and 6.9 g/L acidity, according to the importer’s technical data. Fermentation is spontaneous in stainless steel, with the wine aged about seven months in large stainless tanks before bottling.
The Steinriegl site is a key part of the wine’s identity. It is Prager’s only vineyard holding west of Weißenkirchen, described as steep and southwest-facing with a cooler mesoclimate. The importer notes a rare local soil type—“kalksilikatmarmor” (limestone silicate marble)—as well as hand harvesting in October. Production is reported at 16,200 bottles.
In critical terms, this is an excellent early showing for the vintage. Falstaff critic Peter Moser awarded the wine 93 points (a standout score in this category), marking it as one of the stronger Federspiel-level Rieslings in the market. While Falstaff’s published entry confirms the score, it does not provide a detailed tasting note for the 2024.
Other published commentary points toward a clear, fruit-driven expression rather than overt power. A critic note aggregated by Wine-Searcher characterizes it as a “racy dry riesling” with “vibrant white-peach aroma and flavor” and “extremely refreshing acidity,” framing the wine as brisk and precise on a “barely medium-bodied palate.” Wine Spectator, in a partial note (full review and score behind a paywall), highlights texture, citing “appealing, succulent roundness to this well-done” wine.
Overall, expect a dry Wachau Riesling that emphasizes clarity, citrus-to-stone-fruit lift, and refreshing structure, with enough mid-palate shape to keep it from feeling austere.
