2021 Weingut Stadt Krems Gruner Veltlner Ried Weinzierlberg

The formula for Stadt Krems’ unbeatable value and outrageous quality couldn’t be simpler: They’re led by a Winemaker of the Year—Fritz Miesbauer, who in 2020 was awarded that coveted title from Falstaff, the most prestigious German-language wine publication—and they’ve owned their land for five centuries, so they can cut out the middleman and sell their world-class bottles at shockingly affordable prices. 

The 96-point 2021 is one of the best quality-to-value white wines we can imagine. James Suckling praised it for its “magnificent richness and refinement on the very concentrated yet poised palate.” 

Stadt Krems was established 560 years ago to generate revenue for the hospital in the city of Krems, and it is still owned by the city. The Kremstal region shares the same rocky, terraced vineyards that produce the rich, generous Grüner Veltliners of the world-famous Wachau.

The Ried Weinzierlberg is a single vineyard that sits on a prime south-facing slope above the town of Krems itself—and it’s been known for its wines since at least the 12th century. With just a single meter of loess topsoil before roots are forced into the rocky gravel below, vines are stressed and produce small berries with intense, concentrated flavors. It’s a prestigious enough site that this wine bears the “1ÖTW” designation, the Austrian equivalent of a Premier Cru bottle.

The Austrians gulp this by the gallon with schnitzel, but we love it anytime: at cocktail hour, or with oysters on the half shell, fresh cheeses, or even pickled vegetables. No matter what we drink it with, though, we can’t get enough—we recommend you keep a second bottle in the fridge.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 13.50%
• Enjoy right away
• Now – 2029
• % Grüner Veltliner
• Serving temperature – 45°
• Cork