White Wine Prager Grüner Veltliner Achleiten Stockkultur Smaragd 2020. One of the leading wineries in Austria’s Wachau region, Weingut Prager was founded back in 1302 and enjoys a stellar reputation for single vineyard Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. Running the show these days is Toni Bodenstein who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the local terroir. His winemaking philosophy puts nature first and can be summed up by the evocative motto Vom Stein zum Wein” or from rocks to wine”. This majestic Gruner Veltliner comes from a tiny 0.3 hectare plot that Toni bought in 2005. It’s named after the traditional vine cultivation used in the Wachau up until the 1950s whereby each vine is trained to a single stake. Some of the vines here were planted back in 1938 and produce incredibly concentrated and intensely-flavoured fruit. Toni’s classic house style includes plenty of aromatics along with power and structure. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand late into the autumn and fermented spontaneously in stainless steel tanks. The young wine then spends 8 months ageing in the tank before it’s deemed ready for release. Vibrant notes of wildflowers, cut grass, and herbs dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a bright acidity, mouthwatering freshness, and a pure, clean finish with hints of salty minerality.
2020
White Wine Prager Grüner Veltliner Achleiten Stockkultur Smaragd 2020
White Wine Prager Klaus Riesling Smaragd 2020. With a history that dates back at least to 1302, Weingut Prager is one of the oldest and most-respected wineries in Austria’s Wachau region. The estate has an impressive reputation for single vineyard Riesling and Gruner Veltliner largely thanks to the work of Toni Bodenstein who has spent years studying the region’s geology and biodiversity. Wherever possible he adopts a minimal intervention approach which is summed up by the motto Vom Stein zum Wein” or from rocks to wine”. In total the property has 17.5 hectares which are split between Riesling and Gruner Veltliner planted on very steep terraces. This magnificent bottling is a dry wine which is labelled as Smaragd by members of the Vinea Wachau organization which aims to promote local wines. All of the fruit is harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously in stainless steel tanks to showcase the natural freshness and aromatic character of the variety. According to Bodenstein, Klaus is his most robust and powerful Riesling with plenty of acidity and structure thanks to the cool nights and the long ripening period. The nose is dominated by zingy grapefruit, lemon zest, and green apple, while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering freshness, steely minerality, and a pure, clean finish. Brilliant served as a classy aperitif or partner for fresh seafood, grilled fish, or spicy Asian dishes.
2020
White Wine Raul Perez Ultreia Godello 2020. No need to decant before drinking. Known for his connection to nature, Raul Perez is one of today’s most celebrated winemakers for his ability to bring terroir into the glass. Raul’s winemaking philosophy is to put the least amount of stress or work on the grape, instead allowing it to unfold how it naturally needs to in the cellar. Instead, Raul puts great time and effort into observing soil types, specific climates and the ripening times of the grape varieties he works with. This practice ultimately allows the wine to express itself without intervention from the winemaker. This approach has made Raul famous for producing wines that are elegant, fresh, balanced and truly demonstrate a sense of place. Godello is a rare, white grape variety native to the Iberian peninsula. It is known for its briny qualities and bitter finish. The Ultreia Godello comes from vineyards on clay and sandy soils and is fermented and aged in a combination of foudres and old 300-liter barrels. Grapefruit, green apple, and freshly rained on stones jump from the glass with a background of dried apricot and lime. The palate is rich, yet balanced with lively acidity and crisp edges. Salinity, citrus and ripe pear are present with a long, bitter finish rounded with a hint of oak. This wine is easy to drink by itself or enjoyed with a variety of dishes including baked fish, shrimp risotto, herbed vegetables, and lime-based cuisine.
2020