White Wine Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Kellerberg 2021. Decant up to 30 minutes before serving, according to preference. Under the guidance of Roman Horvath MW and Heinz Frischengruber, Domäne Wachau have made a name for themselves along the length of the Austrian Danube. From the vineyard plots that line the river’s banks, they produce a stunning range of wines that reflect the Wachau region perfectly. Vintner families take care of the vineyards by hand, exerting the winery’s approach of minimal intervention. Many of the plots are known across the world, including Achleiten, Singerriedel and Kellerberg, the origin of this beautiful dry white. Green apples and oranges reveal themselves on the nose, with youthful notes of spice and pepper. The Grüner Veltliner grapes for this wine are all sourced from Kellerberg, one of Wachau’s greatest vineyards, located on steep terraces right behind Domäne Wachau’s winery. The soils of Kellerberg are stony, composed of Gföhl gneiss and deposits of loess, resulting in denser wines. This dry white is perfectly balanced however, with a delightful mouthfeel that is both light and playful. Ripe apple, herbaceous sage and a precise minerality all intermingle on the tongue. This is a Wachau classic and can be enjoyed at any point in its long life. Serve it chilled, either alone or with leafy greens, asparagus, or white fish with dill and capers.
2021
White Wine Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Kellerberg 2021
White Wine Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen 2021. Decant up to 30 minutes before serving, according to preference. From the nurturing banks of the Danube river, Domäne Wachau has become one of Austria’s most well-renowned wineries. Manager Roman Horvath MW and cellar master Heinz Frischengruber are supported by a stellar team of experts, and vintner families that carefully work each vineyard by hand. Domäne Wachau manage several vineyards in the steep terraces alongside the Danube, some of which – Achleiten, Kellerberg and Singerriedel – are known around the world. This Gruner Veltliner Terrassen is composed of grapes from several vineyards under the care of Domäne Wachau. The winery works closely with nature, adopting an approach with minimal interference to fully express the terroir through their beautiful range of wines. Subtle aromas of mango, honey, tobacco and white pepper waft from this dry white. It’s an attractive straw yellow colour in the glass, a perfect expression of its origin. In the Wachau region, Smaragd” simply means the wine must be over 12.5% alcohol – so despite its delightful taste, this is a powerful wine. Notes of yellow tropical fruit interweave with spices, herbs and a satisfying acidity. It has a lingering finish, full of lemon zest and minerality. This wine is perfect company for creamy dishes with white meat or fish, and like all Grüner Veltliners, it can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for many years.
2021
White Wine Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner VDN 2021. Serve immediately, or decant up to 30 minutes before. Under exemplary leadership, Domäne Wachau has become one of Austria’s top wineries. Manager Roman Horvath is the second Austrian ever to receive the title of Master of Wine”, while cellar master Heinz Frischengruber studied oenology at the internationally-renowned Geisenheim, in Germany. They source their fruits from the steep banks of the Danube, where vintner families employed by the winery work small vineyard plots by hand. Domäne Wachau work with nature, rather than attempting to shape it. Their goal is to express the origin of the wine as accurately as possible – and they have done so, with astounding success. This offering from Wachau is a fortified wine, combining the famous Grüner Veltliner with Wachau brandy. It’s a brilliant yellow colour, thick and viscous in the glass, with scents of ripe apples and smoke. Grüner has excellent ageing potential, which is only improved with the addition of brandy. This wine is also delicious enough to be enjoyed immediately. At their yearly harvest, Domäne sometimes top this fortified wine up with tonic. While potent and powerful, it is delightfully sweet and crisp on the palate. Notes of honey, caramel and Austrian apple strudel all mingle, with a zesty citrus backbone. This is a food-friendly wine, serve chilled, with a wide variety of food: seafood, salads, something spicy or smoked meats.
2021