Alpine Wines is one of the UK’s most unique wine merchants focusing on wines from alpine regions of Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. There are some interesting whites and reds to be found, plus the odd orange or pink wine pops up to. But for me, it is old sweet wines that beckon and the two tasted below were part of an order back in 2020.

After an hour of tasting dry, linear Alsace Rieslings that it was time to turn to the some more interesting sweet lines but from other grapes. And there were two delights waiting for me!

Spaetrot Gebeshuber, Zierfandler Beerenauslese 2005
From the Thermenregion, 12.5% ABV. Zierfandler is likely a natural cross between Roter Veltliner X Savagnin. Green berries brighten to pink. Late budding and mid-late ripening, it’s a vine that needs some attention in the winery. Here it has been given a late hang and the chance for the botryitis fungus to reap its glorious magic on the wine.
It’s mid-amber is flecked with gold. Lively and intense on the nose with maramalde, candied blood orange, stewed apple, dried apricot and peach, honey, coffee, quince, coffee and old leather. In the mouth, it’s only medium-sweet, still hold sufficient acidity to keep it interesting. Bitter chocolate and coffee characters assert themselves first before the give way to dried apricot, pear and apple. Beautiful balance and character right into its long finish. Drink before 2026. 89/100

Weinbau Urban, Eiswein vom Roten Traminer 2009
9.5% ABV. Roten Traminer is a pink skinned relation of Gewurztraminer, albeit without that variety’s aromatic intestity. Medium gold in the glass. Restrained knows of yellow flowers, yellow applies, peaches, mango. An oily hint on palate. The fruit is pure and the finish carries on for many minutes. There lacks a little acid so I would serve very cold. Would be sublime with a lemon tart or a fruit salad. I am smitten with it. A lovely wine at a very good price. 92/100