In Crystal River Cruises™, Onboard Pursuits

Perfect Wine Pairings on Crystal Mozart

Posted on July 20, 2016

As you sail along the Danube aboard Crystal Mozart, sights and sounds of the rich culture will practically permeate the air on every luxurious deck. Carrying the most delicious components of these customs from the charming eateries on cobbled avenues where strudel, schnitzel and seafood are abundantly served, the ship’s elegant Waterside Restaurant presents tastes of the region in Crystal’s signature creative fashion. The specialties are served with an impressive selection of German and Austrian wines to complete your culinary exploration.

Smoked oysters perfectly prepared, perfectly paired.

Here, our very own chef extraordinaire and vice president of food and beverage (and, incidentally, an Austrian native and expert in the area’s cuisine), Toni Neumeister, shares some of his recommendations for the perfect wine pairings for your favorite European entrees.

Smoked Oysters, paired with Riesling, “Wachstum Bodenstein,” Prager, Wachau, Austria 2012

Toni: “This bright, elegant Riesling with ripe flavor of peach and apricot and ripe citrus orange finish complements this dish perfectly.”

Pink Roasted Bavarian Beef Rib Loin (with oxtail-marmalade, parsnips and porcini jus), paired with Blaufrankisch Hochacker, Weingut Gesellmann, Deutschkreutz, Austria 2013

Toni: “This rich and fruit forward Blaufrankisch Austrian Red complements the rich flavors of the roasted beef and oxtail marmalade.”

Styrian Volcano Ham with Asparagus from the Danube Delta (tossed in wild garlic pesto with Riesling hollandaise), paired with Sauvignon Blanc Selektion, Elsnegg, Gamlitz, Austria 2015

Toni: “This fresh fruity and crispy sauvignon blanc complements the bold, unique flavor of the cured 15 month matured ham from the Vulcano region of South-East Styria.”

Perhaps the most classic dish, an indulgent wiener schnitzel, is a highlight of Waterside Restaurant's menu. — Perhaps the most classic dish, an indulgent wiener schnitzel, is a highlight of Waterside Restaurant’s menu.

Wiener Schnitzel with Parsley and Potatoes, paired with Grüner Veltliner, Schloss Gobelsburg, “LAMM,” Kamptal, Austria 2013

Toni: “This full bodied and powerful Grand Cru with long finish is the perfect choice for this classic dish, matching the big flavors and strong presence.”

Crystal Mozart’s wine list boasts nearly four dozen vintages from Germany and Austria, all hand selected by Toni and our expert sommeliers to enhance the flavors of your luxury river cruise. The choices and pairings are endless – and that doesn’t even take into account the craft beer menu!