2018 Stift Göttweig Riesling Ried Pfaffenberg

Wachau is the most famous wine district and especially the high quality of Austria. It is the best and certainly the most beautiful wine region. Hence, the vineyards are protected by Unesco. In international competitions, Wachau white wines compete against the best Chardonnays from Burgundy.

Wachau is a fascinating wine district. Over millions of years, the Danube has found its route here. The river has cut the landscape tens of meters deep, exposing very old layers of soil. The Wachau vineyards are located on the steep river slopes. If you walk down the vineyards from the slope, you walk through millions of years of history. You will come across layers of mineral rock with granite, quartz, glimmer and gneiss. But also sand that was blown here by the end of the ice age. The sand has formed a thick layer of loess, giving the grapes at the top of the steep vineyard a different flavor than the grapes at the bottom. And that allows the winemakers to make Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings, which are without doubt among the most special in the world, in addition to the special climate in Wachau. The winds of the Altantic ocean in the west and the winds of the Central European plateau collide here. Summers are dry and warm, winters severe. The Danube cools the vineyards in summer and autumn.

To make the quality level of the dry white wines from Wachau more transparent for the enthusiast, a group of leading wine producers devised a system: They made a qualification based on the alcohol percentage. The lightest wines, with an alcohol content of less than 11.5%, are given the name Steinfeder. Wines with a more average percentage of between 11.5% and 12.5% are called Federspiel. The most powerful dry white wines, usually from late harvested grapes and with more than 12.5% alcohol, are called Emerald. The Smaragd is therefore the highest and most valuable quality indication among the dry white wines!

White wine is a beloved beverage appreciated worldwide for its fresh, fruity, and sometimes complex flavor profile. White wine ranges from dry to sweet and can feature light citrus notes, tropical fruit, and floral aromas. Well-known varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, each with unique characteristics depending on climate and aging. White wine is often served chilled and pairs wonderfully with fish dishes, salads, and soft cheeses.

Explore the World of White Wine: Quality, Flavor, and Diversity

Welcome to Grandcruwijnen, your online destination for a wide selection of white wines from around the globe. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious bottle to enjoy, our collection offers a range of flavors, from classic labels to hidden gems.

White Wine: An Art of Grape and Terroir

White wine, made by fermenting grape juice without skins, stems, or seeds, offers a diverse experience shaped by grape variety, region, climate, and winemaking methods. From the fruity aromas of a Burgundy Chardonnay to the vibrant notes of a Chilean Chardonnay, each bottle tells its own story.

Discover Our Selection of White Wines

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a carefully curated selection of white wines for every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for an elegant Sauvignon Blanc, a refreshing Verdejo, or a full-bodied Riesling, we have it all. But we also go beyond the familiar names. We feature wines from lesser-known grapes like Godello, Albariño, Viura, Vermentino, and Grillo, each offering unique character and surprising flavors.

Our white wine collection spans regions and countries—from the traditional wine regions of France to the emerging markets of Argentina, New Zealand, and Spain. Whether you're seeking the finesse of a French Chablis or the liveliness of an Argentine Torrontés, you’ll find exactly what you're looking for at Grandcruwijnen.

Sweet White Wine: A Tempting Delicacy

Indulge in the sweet temptations of our sweet white wines selection. Discover the lush flavors and delightful aromas that make these wines truly unique. Whether it’s an elegant Moscato, a rich Riesling Auslese, or a refreshing late harvest wine, our collection of sweet white wines is sure to surprise and delight you.

Dry White Wine: Refined and Balanced

For lovers of dry white wine, we offer an extensive selection of refined and balanced wines. From the crisp minerality of a Sauvignon Blanc to the complexity of a Chardonnay, our dry white wines embody elegance and finesse. Let yourself be surprised by the diverse flavors and aromas these wines have to offer.

Alcohol-Free White Wine

Alcohol-free white wine is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor and experience of wine without the effects of alcohol. These wines are traditionally made, with the alcohol carefully removed while preserving as much of the original aroma and character as possible. The result is a fresh, light-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with light dishes, as an aperitif, or simply as a refreshing glass at any time of day. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a high-quality selection of alcohol-free white wines crafted by producers who specialize in this refined category.

Types of White Wine

Discover the diversity of white wine styles at Grandcruwijnen. From familiar names like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to hidden gems like Godello and Vermentino, there’s something for everyone in our extensive collection. Embark on a flavorful journey and discover new favorites to enjoy.

Order White Wine Online at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, ordering white wine is easy and fast. Browse our extensive selection, choose your favorites, and place your order with confidence. We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction and are proud to offer you the best white wines—delivered straight to your doorstep.

Riesling is a grape you instantly recognize: lively, fresh, and surprisingly versatile.

The Riesling grape and its history

The origin of the riesling grape lies in Germany, where it was already planted in the Middle Ages. The first mentions appear in old monastic documents from the 15th century. From there, riesling grew into one of the most beloved grapes in Europe. Winemakers valued it early on for its fresh acidity and its ability to carry flavors from the soil straight into the glass. No other grape has such a strong link to the vineyard where it grows.

Where Riesling is popular

Germany is still the heart of riesling. Think of the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz, regions that are world-famous for their elegant wines. But riesling also feels at home outside Germany. In Alsace (France) it has its own style, often more powerful and drier. Austria, Australia, and even the United States are also seeing more riesling plantings. In Australia, for example, you’ll find it in Clare Valley and Eden Valley, where sunny days and cool nights create intensely aromatic wines.

Growth and characteristics of the Riesling grape

Riesling is not the easiest grape. It ripens late and needs a cool climate. That’s exactly where its fresh character comes through best. The grape has a thin skin, which makes it vulnerable to disease, but also ideal for noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). That, in turn, produces famous sweet wines like Beerenauslese or Trockenbeerenauslese. Another special trait: riesling naturally has high acidity, which makes the wines age beautifully. A good bottle can still taste fresh and lively after decades.

What does Riesling wine taste like?

Riesling wine is highly aromatic, light, and elegant, with high acidity often balanced by a touch of sweetness. Most Rieslings are dry, but there are also wonderful sweet versions: from the lightly sweet Kabinett and Spätlese to the botrytis-harvested Auslese, Beerenauslese, and Trockenbeerenauslese. Typical aromas include lime, green apple, and jasmine. But the note that brings a smile to many Riesling lovers is petrol.

Interesting facts about riesling

• - Riesling can range from bone-dry to honey-sweet. No other grape offers so much variety in styles.
• - Its aroma is often compared to lime, apple, or peach. Older wines sometimes develop a petrol-like scent that enthusiasts adore.
• - Unlike many other grapes, riesling is almost never aged in new oak barrels. This preserves the pure expression of the grape.
• - Riesling is one of the best grapes to pair with food: from spicy Asian dishes to classics like sauerkraut or fish.

Order Riesling wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a wide range of riesling wines, from crisp dry to richly sweet. All bottles are stored safely in a conditioned Wine Warehouse. If you order online, you can choose to pick up in Dordrecht. You’ll instantly see a discount as soon as you select ‘Afhalen’ during checkout.