Weingut Stadlmann, Mandel-Höh Zierfandler, 2019

The Mandel-Höh Zierfandler 2019 sits at the top of Stadlmann’s range and easily holds its own among the region’s finest wines. From a vineyard farmed by the family for more than 170 years, the 50-year-old vines yield fruit of remarkable character.

The nose shows quince, peach, lime, and grapefruit, with hints of pistachio and a touch of white pepper. The palate is generous and ripe, layered with honey and green tea notes, balanced by fine acidity and an elegant, taut structure. Though it carries just 5 grams of residual sugar, the wine feels almost off-dry thanks to its freshness and precision.

This is a versatile food wine, pairing beautifully with roast poultry like guinea fowl or duck, seafood in butter or cream sauces (think turbot or scallops), or Austrian classics such as Wiener schnitzel. It also works well with soft, creamy cheeses like Taleggio or washed-rind Alpine styles.