Our New Grüner Veltliner

Rudi Pichler, Grüner Veltliner Hochrain-Smaragd Riesling, Wachau, Austria, 2021

Rudi Pichler is among the elite growers of the Wachau producing wines of precision, power, and longevity. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner. Rudi Pichler belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex.  Yields are kept low between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare with botrytis carefully removed by hand.  Grapes are crushed by foot and receive between three and 36 hours of maceration on the skins. Vinification is entirely in stainless-steel tanks and malolactic fermentation is avoided.  Hochrain, a name meaning "high place," is a southeast-facing terraced vineyard in Wösendorf sitting between 200 and 300 meters of elevation. The vineyard consists of an unusually high content of loess, a mineral-laden soil that produces wines that are especially broad and rich.  

Tasting Notes Grüner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria and produces a dry white wine with savory aromas, spicy flavors, and good acidity. Grüner Veltliner Smaragd from the Wachau is a full-bodied wine and is rich in style with notes of stone fruit, lemon, radish, and arugula.  

98 Points - James Suckling Extremely deep, youthful nose of the entire spectrum of stone fruit, together with licorice, chamomile and lime zest You feel the power and concentration on the compact and ripe palate, but a large part is held in reserve. Extremely long and structured finish that keeps pumping out the apricot fruit, yet remains so precise. Drink or hold

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