Weingut Franz Hirtzberger

Weingut Franz Hirtzberger is an Austrian wine estate producing white wines from Grüner Veltliner and Riesling in the Wachau region. In its strong portfolio it is particularly known for its top-level Smaragd-designated wines, including the flagship Honivogl Grüner Veltliner and the Singerriedel Riesling, which is one of Austria's most highly regarded Riesling wines.

The estate is located in Spitz in the far west of the region, and is influenced by cold winds blowing off the mountains to the north. There are 15 hectares (37 acres) of vineyards, which is split evenly between Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, with smaller amounts planted to Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. The Singerriedel vineyard is the most important of these holdings, and is located on steep, southeast-facing slopes. The Honivogl Grüner Veltliner is sourced from a rocky plot at the bottom. All of the wines are fermented in stainless steel and aged in classic 3000-5000 litre wooden vats.

The Hirtzberger estate has an impressive castellated 13th Century building; owner Franz Hirtzberger (who took over in 1983) and his family live on site.