Prager

Brand Description

Franz Prager, co-founder of the Vinea Wachau, had already earned a reputation for his wines when Toni Bodenstein married into the family. The marriage of Franz’s daughter, Ilse, to Dr. Toni Bodenstein in the 1990s was the catalyst for a sweeping renaissance at the winery. Bodenstein, a biologist, geologist, and historian, spent years studying the geology of the region and focused much of his attention on preserving genetic diversity. His “Arche Noah” project, a planting of old Grüner Veltliner and Riesling clones, resulted from his research. Bodenstein’s scholarly approach, passion for biodiversity, and brilliant winemaking has elevated Prager to the highest echelon of Austrian wine producers.

Location of Vineyard

The Prager estate is made up of 17.5 hectares planted to 60% Riesling and 40% to Grüner Veltliner. Located on steep terraces, the vineyards are partly in Weiβenkirchen (Hinter der Burg, Hinter Seiber, Steinriegl, Zwerithaler, Klaus, and Achleiten), partly in Dürnstein (Kaiserberg, Hollerin, and Liebenberg), and are planted at extremely high densities of up to 15,000 plants per hectare. Bodenstein makes four different wines from the famed Achleiten vineyard including Wachstum Bodenstein Grüner Veltliner (from 110 clones), and Stockkultur Grüner Veltliner produced from a patch of very old post-trained vines at the top of Achleiten. Wachstum Bodenstein Riesling (from 25 clones) comes from the upper terraces of Hinter Seiber.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

Prager belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex. Harvest is typically from October to November. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted to eliminate botrytis, and sent directly to press where they’re fermented by what Bodenstein describes as “controlled spontaneous fermentation.” Toni Bodenstein prevents malolactic fermentation from occurring. Since 1996, Prager wines have been vinified entirely in stainless-steel tanks. This minimalist approach reveals wines of precision and elegance, moderate levels of alcohol, and clear expression of origin. “Vom Stein zum Wein” (from rocks to wine) is Toni Bodenstein’s motto and his ideology is reflected by his non-interventionist methods in the cellar.

Prager Vineyards
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Winery Profile
Owner: Toni and Ilse Bodenstein
Winemaker: Toni Bodenstein
Total acreage under vine: 43
Founded: 1715
Production: 100000
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Acclaim
A seductive, impressive white, with a supple, mouthfilling profile to its notes of white peach and apple, flecked with cut chives and white tea leaves. Silky in feel, with hints of honey, plus a lot of depth and beautiful purity. Briny mineral and lime zest details echo on the long, tangy finish. — acclaim for 2023 Prager Achleiten Stockkultur Grüner Veltliner from Wine Spectator, Jun 2025
Aloe, green plum and sweet, fresh-cut grass show purity and density. Power emerges with time in glass, with notes of salted plum and apple. Saline and savory, offering plenty of ripe orchard fruit. — acclaim for 2023 Prager Steinriegl Riesling from Wine Spectator, Jun 2025
Lemon, lime and aloe are layered with a cool rush of chalky mineral notes. Silky and streaming in feel, with singed thyme and sage on the smoky, crystalline-pure finish. — acclaim for 2023 Prager Hinter der Burg Grüner Veltliner from Wine Spectator, Jun 2025
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