Why to buy: Austria’s Wachau-region wines are incredible – dry, complex in aromatics and incredibly rich. The Lagler family is the most important winemaking family in the region, and their wines are a national treasure.

Sommelier Selection: “Overlooking Austria’s beautiful Danube River, Lagler’s vineyards are breathtaking. Working harvest there in 2009 was one of the best experiences of my life. The work is painstakingly done by hand through traditional methods by father and son winemaking team Karl and Karl Lagler, and that craftsmanship shows in the glass of this very special wine.”
–Laura Maniec, Master Sommelier and Owner of Corkbuzz Wine Studio

Nose, palate and pairing: Intense dried apricots, cinnamon and a hint of smoke make this a perfect pairing for smoked fish, while diverse enough to pair with Peking Duck. At brunch, we serve this with latkes or bagels and lox. For dinner, it will balance roasted pork or rich seafood like crab or buttery whitefish.

The backstory: The Lagler family began producing wines in the 1970’s but they’ve been growing grapes in the Wachau region since 1789. Centuries of experience have endowed them with a keen sense of viticulture—as well as access to very old vines. Today, the Laglers are one of the most charismatic winemaking families in the region and their wines top some of the best restaurant lists in the world.

Varietals: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12%
Appellation: Wachau, Austria