2023 FX Pichler Loibner Ried Steinertal Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Wachau

This unique site is situated at the most eastern end of the Wachau, between the Loibenberg and the Pfaffenberg. Its form depicts a rift, which broadens into an amphitheatre as it reaches down towards the vineyard landscape in Unterloiben. The site is clearly characterized by its proximity to the nearby forest, from which nocturnal northerly breezes cool the vineyard as they pass through on their current towards the Danube. This makes Steinertal the cool, slow ripening single vineyard site within the Loibner vineyards, which is unique in its ideal harvest picking time and mineral character.

The 2023 vintage was characterized by a late spring, so the vines did not burst their buds until later in April, avoiding spring frosts. However, despite the delays to vegetation, the summer brought higher temperatures leading to a good flowering season. July and August recorded extreme temperatures, but rain towards the end of the summer had a positive impact on the vine’s health, while advancing the grape’s ripeness. Optimum harvest conditions contributed to a very good vintage.

The grapes were hand harvested over multiple dates at the start of October. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were destemmed and sorted by hand before undergoing 12 to 16 hours of skin contact. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, the wine then spent nine months on fine lees before bottling.

This Grüner Veltliner is layered and complex with notes of sage, lime and white apple on the nose. The palate is sleek and elegant, with impressive depth of flavor. Crisp acidity and salty minerality add great length to this wine’s lively finish.